USA > Pennsylvania > Luzerne County > Wilkes-Barre > A history of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania : from its first beginnings to the present time, including chapters of newly-discovered early Wyoming Valley history, together with many biographical sketches and much genealogical material. Volume VI > Part 94
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line of high grade goods. He is active in civio affairs and is a stockholder in the Miners' Trust Company and a member of the Nanticoke Kiwanis Club. He is district presi- dent of the Falcons Society and of other Polish organizations, including the Polish Union, and is a communicant of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Dombrowski married, January 9, 1910, Eleanor Roginski, of Nanticoke. They are the parents of six children: Stefania, a teacher in Nanticoke schools; Henry, Edwin, Sigfried, Girard and Eleanor.
FRANCIS J. KRAJEWSKI, M. D .- Well known as a physician and popular as a citi- zen of Wilkes-Barre, Francis J. Krajewski has been conducting a general practice of medicine here since 1909, when he came from Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, where he previously had engaged in his profession. Ready and able at all times to devote his time and energy to the work of advising and treating those who need his services, he has won the confidence and the esteem of those who come to him for aid, especially among the Polish- American population. As a matter of fact, the Polish-American citizens of the vicinity unanimously endorsed, in 1927, his candidacy for the coronership of Luzerne County, show- ing by this act the extent of their trust in him. Dr. Krajewski conducts his practice at No. 61 North Washington Street, Wilkes- Barre.
He was born in Poland on July 19, 1875, the son of Francis and Rose Krajewski, now de- ceased. His parents came to America in 1886 and settled in Nanticoke, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, where the father was for many years a coal miner for the Susquehanna Coal Company. Dr. Krajewski's father died at the age of sixty-four years, and his mother at the age of sixty-two years, leaving four chil- dren: Esletta D .; Francis J., of whom fur- ther; Catherine, and Thomas.
Francis J. Krajewski, who was reared in Nanticoke, attended the public schools, and later became a student at the Wyoming Sem- inary, in Kingston, Pennsylvania. Then he went to the Medico-Chirurgical College of Medicine, in Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in the class of 1902 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In that year he re- turned to Nanticoke, the town of his boyhood, where he began the practice of his chosen profession. In 1909 he came to Wilkes-Barre, where he opened offices at No. 61 North Wash- ington Street. Since that time he has built a lucrative practice. Thoroughly active in the affairs of his profession, Dr. Krajewski is a member of the American Medical Association, the Lehigh Valley Medical Society, the Penn- sylvania Medical Society, and the Luzerne County Medical Society. He is a member of the Board of Directors and is chief medical director of the Polish Union of North America. During the World War he was a volunteer, having served in France in the Forty-first Division of the United States Army, in which he had the rank of captain in the Medical Corps. After the war he was appointed by the United States Veterans' Bureau as the district medical examiner for Luzerne County for the care of disabled veterans of the World War. He is now a member of the American Legion, in which organization he is affiliated with Post No. 132. He is identified with sev- eral fraternal orders, and is a member of St. Mary's Polish Catholic Church. Dr. Krajew- ski had made a place for himself in the com- munity in and near Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding group of towns, and has won
the admiration and the respect of the peo- ple. An indication of his popularity is his candidacy for the office of coroner of Luzerne County.
In 1904, Dr. Krajewski married Alexandra M. Yacewicz, of Nanticoke, and they are the parents of four children: Lydia, Delphin, Rownald, and Yolanda.
DOMINICK GURNARI-The spirit which made Rome the Eternal City, built the vast Roman Empire of other times and has pre- served the cultural and prosperous city of Rome and Nation of Italy of today is much the same as the spirit of America, richer than that of the newer land, however, in its traditions of great men. The Italians are well represented in our citizenry, and in the Wilkes-Barre area have contributed much to the general progress. Among them are most worthy representatives but none among them is worthier of citation than Dominick Gurnari, who came to this country without funds or friends, builded a large business, and is a foremost citizen of Luzerne.
Dominick Gurnari was born at Slorenzo, Italy, January 9, 1890, a son of Joseph and Santa (Zumbo) Gurnari, both of whom are natives of Italy, now living, Joseph Gurnarl having engaged for years as dealer in meats. In the schools of Italy, Dominick Gurnari secured his academic instruction, and in 1906, at the age of but sixteen years, embarked for the United States, here to seek his fortune. He landed at New York City April 27, soon thereafter removing to Pennsylvania. At Scranton he worked three years. In 1909 he came to Luzerne, Iearned and followed the trade of mason, and in 1912 started in a general contracting business, under the style of his own name. His commencement in this business followed years of saving, so that he would have the funds for necessary equip- ment, and years of application to learning the latest developments of the trade. He has been engaged as contractor through the years that have followed, and now employs twenty men the year entire. He maintains eight motor trucks, two concrete machines, five mixers, and one air compressor mounted on a truck, besides being the owner of two pleasure cars. His success as business figure has been extensive. He has erected some of the larger and more modern structures in Luzerne and vicinity, and has wide commer- cial interests, which include directorship of the Merchants and Miners' Bank of Luzerne. Also, he manufactures cement blocks, and in that business has met with the fortune which has marked his every enterprise.
Despite the time and attention required for direction of his affairs in business, Mr. Gur- nari has not failed to play the role of good citizen. A Republican, he adheres to the prin- ciples of the party, supporting them and the party's candidates to good effect. He supports all worthy movements designed for the wel- fare and general advancement of Luzerne's interests, occupying a place high in the re- spect of those around him. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, as member of the Lodge No. 109. He belongs to the Italian Muti Sucorso and the Liberty Citizens' Club of Luzerne.
Mr. Gurnari married, in 1912, Angeline Zuppa, of Luzerne, a daughter of John and Mary Zuppa; and they have sons: 1. Joseph, born June 18, 1914. 2. John, November 27, 1916. 3. Francis, April 28, 1917. 4. Victor, November 11, 1918-Armistice Day, date of the closing of hostilities of the World War, Mr. Gurnari's offices in Luzerne are at No. 281 Miller Street,
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ROSARIO L. MANTIONE, M. D .- In the life story of Rosario L. Mantione, physician, of Pittston, lies an inspiration for the youth who is left to his own resources to make his way in the world. This young man has risen superior to circumstances that would have held down a lesser spirit, has acquired, under most disheartening conditions, a splen- did medical education and already has estab- lished himself high in the esteem of his fellow practitioners in this district. A native ot Italy, lie was brought to this country by his parents when ten years of age and was reared in Pittston, Pennsylvania. Like many of the children of the working people of this district, he became a breaker boy at the coal mines, but the secret of his later success was an ambition that sent him to night schools, where he laid the foundation of his subsequent professional education. Nothing could dishearten him and he strode forward to the position he now occupies, one of the most finished members of the medical pro- fession in this section of the State, with a splendid future before him.
His birthplace was Montedoro, Italy, his parents being Marian and Rose Mantione. They emigrated to America In 1903 and took up their abode in Pittston, where they went to work. The son had had three years of schooling in Italy and acquired the remainder of his elementary work at night, after he had finished his labors at the coal breakers. Keeping up this until he was seventeen years of age, he abandoned the mines and for the following three years worked as agent for several mercantile factories. Sav- ing his money, when he was twenty years of age he was able to afford further educa- tion and went to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he entered the American International College. There he completed the four-year course in three years, when he took another year of college work and then matriculated at Tufts College, where he studied for one year. The United States entered the World War and he entered the army and was sent to France with the American Expeditionary Forces, attached to the 79th Division. He saw severe service with this detachment and was in the activities of the Meuse-Argonne offensive, his discharge coming in June, 1919. Not yet satisfied with his college work, he took a three months' summer course at Harvard University and, in September, 1919, reentered Tufts College and took the medical course, from which he was graduated with honors and the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine in the class of 1923. For the follow- ing year he served as an interne in St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut, fol- lowed by sixteen months' at Carney Hos- pital, Boston, Massachusetts, in which last- named institution he worked in the depart- ment of obstetrics and gynecology, in which he now specializes. He passed the examina- tion of the State Medical Board of Massachu- setts in 1923 and the Pennsylvania board in 1926, establishing himself in practice in July of that year in Pittston. He is a member of the American Medical Association, of the Massachusetts Medical Society, of the Penn- sylvania State Medical Society and of the Luzerne County Medical Society, and is also a member of the staff of the Pittston Hos- pital. He belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose and to the Italian Century Club and attends St. Rocco's Roman Catholic Church.
Dr. Rosario L. Mantione married, July 27, 1922, Louise Lombardi of Boston, Massachu- setts, daughter of J. L. Lombardi. They are the parents of the following children: 1. Rose Margaret, born July 8, 1924. 2. Rosario Lewis, Jr., born October 26, 1926.
Dr. Mantione has his residence at No. 24 Montgomery Avenue, West Pittston, and has his office in the New Dime Bank Building, Pittston, Pennsylvania.
PETER A. SARLI, M. D .- Native of Italy and a medical graduate in that land, Peter A. Sarli, established in the practice of his profession in Pittston since 1913, has made for himself a high reputation. There are few people who emigrate to this country from Europe who more readily assimilate the at- mosphere of their adopted country than those of the Italian race and Dr. Sarli happens to be one of the most conspicuous examples of this trait. This, as well as his professional skill and meritorious services to the people of this community, bring to him a constantly growing clientele and an ever widening circle of friends.
Dr. Sarli was born in Naples, Italy, Sep- tember 23, 1879, a son of Louis and Rosa (Pinto) Sarli, and received his professional education at the University of Naples, from which he was graduated, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in 1906. He then served as an interne in the Naples Hospital for incurables and, in 1907, came to America, establishing himself in practice in Philadel- phia, where he remained for nearly seven years. He then came to Pittston and began a general practice, which he has since con- tinued.
FRANK KORONKIEWICZ-One of the citi- zens well known and respected in Nanticoke is Frank Koronkiewicz, pharmacist, whose place of business is at No. 186 South Market Street. Here Mr. Koronkiewicz carries every- thing common to the most modern and best regulated of drug stores, and does an ex- tensive trade. As a citizen of loyal public- spirit he is highly regarded by all associated with him in commercial and fraternal life, and it is with pleasure, indeed, that these associates accord him place in this history of Wilkes-Barre and centers nearby.
Frank Koronkiewlez was born in Nanti- coke, September 28, 1892, son of Stanley and Martha (Rydlewski) Koronkiewicz. Stanley Koronkiewicz, who died in March, 1927, at the age of seventy-three years, was by trade a carpenter, and contracting foreman. Born in Poland, he came to the United States at the age of seventeen years, took residence in Nanticoke, and here spent the balance of his days. He was a forceful, kindly man, fond of his home and children, and early inculcated in them those principles of con- duct and thought that have assisted them to attain and maintain responsible positions.
In the public schools of his native city, Frank Koronkiewicz secured his basic aca- demio training, graduating from Nanticoke High School with the class of 1910. He entered the Philadelphia School of Pharmacy, and from it graduated in 1916. Meanwhile, from 1907 to 1913, he had served an ap- prenticeship in medicine under Dr. J. F. Hill, in Dr. Hill's pharmacy, and while in the school at Philadelphia was employed by the pharmaceutical firm of Shinn & Kirk, of that city. Soon after his graduation, however, our country's entry into the World War interrupted his career. Mr. Koronkiewicz enlisted in April, the month war was de- clared, and served until December, 1918, in the medical department, stationed at Atlanta, Georgia, and at Fort Slocum. When mustered out, he held the rank of sergeant, first class. It was in 1919 that he established himself in the pharmacy at Nanticoke, which he has continued to operate during the years that have followed. In college he was a member
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of the Alchemists' Society, and is now a member of the pharmaceutical societies of Luzerne County and the United States. Fra- ternally, he is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks. His religious adher- ence is given St. Stanislaus' Roman Catholic Church, and in matters of charity he deals with large heart, generously, regardless of race or creed. Mr. Koronkiewicz is active in affairs of the American Legion, and partici- pates constantly in enterprises for the wel- fare of the city. He is a stockholder in the Miners' Trust Company, is recognized as of sound financial judgment by his confreres in business, and on the whole possesses a most substantial position in his community. Mr. Koronkiewicz takes a deep interest in athletics, in which he participated while a youth, and is especially interested in the sporting events of Nanticoke High School, which he supports heartily. He resides at No. 280 West Main Street.
WILLIAM T. SCUREMAN-For more than sixty years the name of Scureman has been associated with the leaders among the morti- cians of the Wyoming Valley, the present representative being William T., who has been so engaged since 1918 in the town of Wyoming. In that comparatively brief space of time he has maintained the traditions of his grandfather, who established the first house shortly after the Civil War and which has been handed down in the family in an unbroken line of inheritance. Mr. Scureman carefully prepared for the work he looked upon as a heritage and has since lived up to the rules laid down by the founder, that the very best of material and service should at all times be at the command of the pub- lic. His business life has been of the high-
est character, while his reputation for honesty of intent and careful execution of his obligations has grown with his life in this district. He has been called to public office and has served faithfully and well, while his fraternal interests and his social relaxa- tions have brought him a multitude of de- voted friends and admirers.
He was born in Wyoming, Pennsylvania, June 25, 1894, a son of George Scureman, a native of Pittston, who was associated with the company store at Forty Fort and whose death occurred in 1905. His mother was Mercy (Townsend) Scureman, who is still living in Wyoming, the place of her birth. His grandfather was William, who, with his brother, George Town (s)end, established his business as related and which has remained in the family. The present pro- prietor acquired his education in the local public schools and was graduated from high school, following which he took up the study of embalming and was graduated from the Eckles School of Embalming in Philadelphia in 1914. This was followed by the course at the Cincinnati School of Embalming, from which he was graduated in 1927. He had established himself in his own name and was conducting a complete establishment, with a mortuary chapel and a complete equipment for all details of his professional work. In 1926 he erected the present build- ing in Wyoming which he occupies con- jointly with the telephone exchange and Masonic lodge, to which organizations he rents space. He is a Republican in politics and is now on the school board and deputy county coroner of Luzerne County. His church is the Methodist Episcopal and his fraternal and other affiliations include the Junior Order United American Mechanics; Lodge No. 496, Free and Accepted Masons;
Keystone Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scot- tish Rite Masons; Irem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Fraternal Order of Eagles; Monument Lodge of Wyoming, Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows.
William T. Scureman married, in 1918, May Griffith, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, daugh- ter of Edward and Hannah Griffith.
BERNARD S. ANDROSKY, M. D .- One of the younger members of the medical profes- sion in Pittston, Pennsylvania, is Dr. Bernard S. Androsky, whose offices are located at Nos. 201-202 New Rose Building, In Pittston. Dr. Androsky is a graduate of St. Thomas Col- lege and of Jefferson Medical College, and has done post-graduate work in the New York Lying-In Hospital and in the Seamen's Institute Clinic. He is one of the progressive young men of the profession and is already on the way to success as a physician and surgeon.
Bernard S. Androsky was born in Inker- man, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1901, son of Charles and Sophia Androsky, of Duryea, Pennsylvania, natives of Russia. Dr. And- rosky was a student in the public schools, graduating from Duryea High School in 1918, and then continued study in St. Thomas Col- lege, where he completed his course in 1920. The following fall he began professional study in Jefferson Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1924, receiving at that time the degree of Doctor of Medicine. His interneship was served in the Jefferson Hospital and he then greatly enlarged his experience by serving as chief resident phy- sician in Haward Hospital. In 1926 he took post-graduate work in the New York City Lying-In Hospital and in the New York Post-Graduate Hospital. He also had charge of the Seamen's Church Institute Clinic, after which he came to Pittston and opened his offices in the New Rose Building, Rooms 201-202, where he has since been engaged in practice as a physician and surgeon. He is a member of the Luzerne County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical So- clety, and the American Medical Association, and there is every indication that he has before him a successful professional career. He is a member of Omega Upsilon Phi col- lege fraternity, of Philadelphia, and of the Brubaker Physiological Society, and in addi- tion to his general practice is a member of the Pittston Hospital staff. In 1926 he served as deputy-coroner in this district, and he Is actively interested in local affairs here in Pittston. He is active in the affairs of the Republican party, locally, has served as school examiner for Jenkins Township and Duryea High School, and also as chair- man of the Board of Health of Duryea, Penn- sylvania. During the period of the participa- tion of the United States in the World War, he served as a member of the Student Army Corps, at Villa Nova College.
Dr. Androsky is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Cassinova. His many friends in Pittston, where he makes his home, predict for him the highest success, and during the short time he has been in practice he has made a most satisfactory beginning, both as a physician and as a surgeon.
STANLEY MROWCZYNSKI-Before he was of voting age Stanley Mrowczynski became independently established in business in Plymouth and so well adapted was he for the career, that prosperity has perched upon the banner of his ambition and he has be- come one of the representative retail mer-
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chants here. With an ambition to forge ahead and the will to labor to that end, his future seems assured and his mature years secure. He is possessed in full with the hardihood and intellectuality of his race and of a native industry that will stand him in good stead in his march with the commercial army in the ranks of which he has enrolled. He was born in Poland, November 16, 1891, son of Toeffil and Rozalea Mrowczynski, both natives of Poland, who came to America when he was an infant and settled in Plym- outh. Here he was educated in the public schools and at the age of fourteen years entered the employ of the mines as a breaker boy, which occupation he followed for three years. He then became associated with his father in his butcher store here and remained there for four years, learning the business, when, in 1911, he established his own shop and began independent operations, which he has continued. During the World War he served overseas with the American Expedi- tionary Forces in the 311th Field Artillery of the 77th Division for nine months. He was mustered out of the service May 2, 1919, and returned to Plymouth to reengage in business. He is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Polish National Catholic Church. He is a member of the Polish National Union; the Knights of Pythias; Lodge No. 109, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and the Kiwanis Club. He also belongs to Alexander's Band, of Wilkes- Barre, the oldest musical organization in the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania.
STEVEN H. DVORSHAK - Among the younger merchants of Freeland a prominent place is filled by Steven B. Dvorshak, pro- prietor of the Center Market and one of the most progressive citizens of this district. Establishing himself in business in a small way, he began his operations with the firm intention of serving those who gave him their patronage to the full extent of cour- tesy, fairness and quality of wares. Never departing from this original conception of what is due the public from a private enter- prise, he won the natural reward of high principle and saw his trade grow to the substantial position it now commands. Under- standing that interest in civic and fraternal affairs begets a wider friendship and more prosperous business clientele, he has affil- iated himself with such organizations that appeal to the better element and has taken his share of the duties of all citizens.
Mr. Dvorshak was born in Freeland, Penn- sylvania, September, 1897, a son of Andrew and Julia Dvorshak, and received his elemen- tary education in the local public schools, going to work when a boy in the grocery, meat and provision business, which he learned so thoroughly that, in 1919, he felt qualified to establish his own market and did so, at No. 622 Center Street, Freeland, and which he conducts, on a greatly enlarged scale, at this time. He is a member of the Freeland Business Men's Association, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks and other fraternal organizations. The family resi- dence is at No. 712 Ridge Street, Freeland.
Steven B. Dvorshak married, in 1919, Emma Russell, of Freeland, who is a mem- ber of the Order of the Eastern Star. Their children are: Marian, John and Steven, Jr.
THE REV. F. X. DOMINIAK-As pastor of the Roman Catholic Church of the Trans- figuration, at the corner of Wayne and Green streets, West Hazleton, Pennsylvania, the Rev. F. X. Dominiak fills with fine ability
and dignity an important place in the spiritual and material life of the community. Under his able management the condition of the parish has prospered, the membership has increased and the finances of the church have been placed on a sound basis, while spiritual development has been equally notice- able.
The Church of the Transfiguration was founded in 1906 by the Rev. J. Gratza. Start- ing with a membership of some thirty fam- ilies, services were held originally in a rented hall, but by the year 1909, a basement church had been completed, and dedicated by the Rt. Rev. M. J. Hoban, late Bishop of Scran- ton. Continued growth over a period of ten years resulted, in 1921, in the dedication of the present beautiful church building, with a seating capacity of nine hundred people, to care for the membership which now num- bers more than five hundred families. The following pastors have been in charge since the establishment of the parish: the Rev. Paul Szulerecki, the Rev. A. Kowalczyk, the Rev. V. L. Biczysko, the Rev. Emil Sikorski, the Rev. Felix Nowak, the Rev. A. Ziebura, D. D., the Rev. W. Kwiatkowski, the Rev. Joseph Ziemba, the Rev. D. C. Tomkiewicz, the Rev. V. S. Matuszewski, and the Rev. F. X. Dominiak.
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