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 95
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Father Dominiak has been active in the affairs of various church organizations and civic enterprises, and he is highly esteemed at West Hazleton by the community at large for his fine character and public-spirited participation in worthy movements.
MICHAEL SALVATORE DE PIERRO - Having forged his way to a place of leader- ship at the Luzerne County har, Michael S. De Pierro, of Freeland, is recognized in his native township and borough as one of the most efficient and progressive of the lawyers in his jurisdiction. As a member of the younger group of legal practitioners he has distinguished himself at the bar and in the municipal and civic affairs of Freeland. He is prominent also in financial and educational circles of the township and borough.
Michael Salvatore De Pierro was born in Freeland, April 4, 1886, a son of Frank and Anna (Bush) De Pierro. At the age of twelve years his father came from his native Italy and spent the rest of his life in Free- land, Drifton and Lattimer. In his hoyhood years he spent much of his time working in the coal mines of this county. He was a violinist of ability and played for dances and many other forms of entertainment. By trade he was a painter and paper hanger, and rose to be a leading figure in the munici- pal life of Freeland. He was elected presi- dent of the Town Council, served as a mem- ber of the school board, and at the time of his death, in September, 1923, he was sixty-three years of age and holder of the office of chief of police of Freeland. His fraternal affiliations were with the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fra- ternal Order of Eagles, and the Knights of Pythias. He was a member of the Freeland Fishing and Hunting Club, and was a mem- ber and organizer of St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church at Freeland. His widow and four children survive, the latter being: 1. Michael Salvatore, of whom further, 2. Pauline. 3. Rachael. 4. Seraphine.
Having graduated from the Freeland High School, class of 1909, Michael Salvatore De Pierro entered the West Chester State Nor- mal School, from which he was graduated in 1912. He next took a course at Bucknell University, concluding with studies in the law department of the University of Penn-
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sylvania, from which he was graduated in the class of 1914 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to the bar of Luzerne County and to practice before the State Supreme Court in 1915. His practice has been general throughout Luzerne County. For a short time he was an associate of Thomas H. Farrell, of Wilkes-Barre. Mr. De Pierro is a director of the Citizens Bank of Freeland, solicitor of the Freeland Building and Loan Association, of which he was one of the organizers, and solicitor of the Conyngham Water Company. His public service, from a political standpoint, has been rendered as a member of the Republican party. He is solicitor for the Freeland Borough Council, the Borough School Board and the Town- ship School Board and trustee of Hazleton State Hospital. For five years he held the office of first assistant district attorney of Luzerne County, and is now solicitor of the county controller of Luzerne. He is affil- iated with the Luzerne County Bar Asso- ciation: the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is Past Exalted Ruler; the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Freeland; Hazleton Nest of Owls; the Freeland Fish- ing and Hunting Club; Hazleton Kiwanis Club; the Sons of Italy, of Freeland; the Société la Giovanna Italia, of Hazleton; the Knights of Columbus, fourth degree; and St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church of Free- land.
Michael S. De Pierro married (first) Fannie C. Thomas, of Eckley, and by this union there are four children: Dorothy, Frank T., Salvatore, and Lucile. Mrs. De Pierro died January 10, 1926, and Mr. De Pierro married (second), in November, 1927, Kate Breihoff, of Conyngham. The De Pierro residence is 934 Washington Street, Freeland.
PASCO SCHIAVO-As an attorney in Hazle- ton, Pennsylvania, Pasco Schiavo has taken his place as solicitor of some of the most prominent firms in this community. He is the son of Louis and Theresa Schiavo, both natives of Italy where his father was a laborer and came to Hazleton from Latium in 1893. He died on November 19, 1926, at the age of eighty-seven years.
Pasco Schiavo was born in New York City, August 1, 1883. He was educated in the Hazleton Township High School and then read law at Cumberland University at Leba- non, Tennessee, where he graduated in the class of 1914, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to the bar in Luzerne County in June, 1926, and since then has been engaged in the practice of law. For a time he practiced at Knoxville, Ten- nessee. Since, he has made his residence in Hazleton, where he carries on a general law practice. He is a director and solicitor of the Union Building and Loan Association; and of the West Hazleton Building and Loan Association, and director of the American Bank and Trust Company. He is active in the Republican party and was city comptrol- ler from 1920 to 1924, and takes an active part in county and State politics. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias (Past Chancellor Commander); the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Roman Catholic Church of the Incarnation.
In June, 1909, Pasco Schiavo married Rose Cuozzo, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Their children are: Angeline, Therese, and Louis. Mr. Schiavo and family make their residence at No. 121 North Wyoming Street, Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
W. A. OBORSKI, D. V. M .- A graduate of the United States College of Veterinary Sur-
geons, of Washington, District of Columbia, Dr. W. A. Oborski has been engaged in gen- eral veterinary practice in Nanticoke, since 1916. He is also serving as City Food inspec- tor, and is active in the affairs of the Demo- cratic party, which he has served as secre- tary of the local committee. Dr. Oborski has his offices in the Gabriel Building, No. 147 South Market Street, Nanticoke.
William O. Oborski, father of Dr. Oborski, was born in Poland. There he married Cath- erine Kulinski, also a native of that country, and about 1878 the couple left the land of their birth and came to this country. They chose Nanticoke as their permanent home, and here William O. Oborski engaged in the retail meat business, which he followed to the time of his death. He was an able busi- ness man and a good citizen, and he and his wife were active and loyal members of St. Stanislaus' Roman Catholic Church.
Dr. W. A. Oborski, son of William O. and Catherine (Kulinski) Oborski, was born in Nanticoke, March 25, 1887, and'as a boy at- tended the local schools. After deciding upon the profession of veterinary surgeon as his future field of work, he entered the United States College of Veterinary Surgeons, at Washington, District of Columbia, where he completed his course with graduation in 1916. He located here in his native town and from 1916 to the present time (1928) has been building up a prosperous practice, drawing his patronage from a large area surrounding this community. He is a member of the Northeastern
Pennsylvania Veterinarian Medical Club, and is well known as a skilled member of his profession. He has taken an active interest in civic affairs since he was old enough to give public matters intelligent attention, and is also active in the affairs of the Democratic party. He has served as sec- retary of the local Democratic Committee, and on January 1, 1925, was appointed to fill the office of city food inspector, in which capacity he is still (192S) serving efficiently, giving entire satisfaction to the people of Nanticoke. Like his parents, he is an inter- ested member of St. Stanislaus Roman Catho- lic Church. Dr. Oborski is very well known in Nanticoke, where his boyhood friends, as well as those he has made in later life, know him as a loyal and faithful friend, as well as an able professional practitioner. He is a member of Polish National Alliance and of the Falcons. He has always been interested in animal life, and has ministered to and relieved the suffering of numerous dumb pa- tients in this part of Luzerne County. As a lover of animals, Dr. Oborski brings to his work a subtle understanding and sympathy, which, added to his thorough training and sound knowledge, enables him to render un- usually valuable service.
Dr. W. A. Oborski married Julia B. Wa- sulewski, and they make their home at No. 143 Sonth Market Street, in Nanticoke. His office is in the Gabriel Building, corner Main and Market streets.
MICHAEL OLEYAR-A prominent factor in commercial circles of Freeland is Michael Oleyar, conductor of a general merchandise store at No. 427 Center Street, a business that was established in 1901. Here Mr. Ole- yar has a large trade, dealing in various lines of merchandise, carrying dry goods, clothing, shoes, groceries, hay, feed, and grain. The growth of this concern, which was started on a small scale, has been most remarkable and provides employment for a large number of clerks. Mr. Oleyar has had no roses strewn in his path to success, having emigrated to this country while quite young, and during
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his early years has known the grime and back-breaking toil of the mines. Thus he deserves much credit for his attainments and success, which include membership on the board of directors of a bank.
Mr. Oleyar was born, November 20, 1869, in Austria-Hungary, but came to America in 1888, at the age of nineteen. He located at Highland, and immediately went to work around the mines, starting at a wage of seven and one half cents an hour and working ten hours a day. He worked seven years in the boiler house and six years in the engine house. During part of this time it was his duty to hoist the miners from Mine No. 4 at Jeddo. Dissatisfied with this calling, he de- termined to enter business as an individual, and in 1901, came to Freeland. In this year he opened a business with Frank Hayne as a partner, under the firm name of Oleyar & Hayne, the doors of the store opening in June, 1901. About two months later, the firm was hard pressed for money and it was nec- essary for Mr. Oleyar to borrow money from his friends. Seeing that the only way to succeed was to buy in large quantities, in order to get a better price, he again borrowed money from his friends. When the coal strike of 1902 started, Mr. Oleyar returned all the money he borrowed, fearing if the firm would fail, he might lose the money he borrowed from his friends. During the coal strike, the firm had to refuse most of the customers credit, due to the insufficient capital. After the strike was settled it was difficult for the firm to get back the customers to whom they refused credit, as they could not realize the situation. This partnership continued until October, 1905, at which time it was dissolved and Mr. Oleyar took over the concern and moved it to its present location, at No. 427 Center Street, Freeland. He has since devoted himself unremittingly to the building up of his general merchandise concern, which, as heretofore stated, comprises dry goods, cloth- ing, shoes, groceries, hay, feed, etc. He now utilizes three floors of a building covering twenty-three by seventy-two feet. In view of the fact that his original capital was two thousand dollars, the present standing of this business appears all the more remarkable, for it now has one of the largest stores in Freeland. The service of four clerks are re- quired in the conduct of the business, in addi- tion to Mr. Oleyar and his two sons.
Coincident with the expansion of his com- mercial interests, Mr. Oleyar has become asso- ciated with various other enterprises and or- ganizations in Freeland, being one of the directors of the First National Bank, wherein his sagacious counsel is appreciated hy his confreres. A member of St. Mary's Greek Catholic Church, Mr. Oleyar is also a member of St. George's Society and Holy Cross So- ciety, and St. Michael's Society.
Michael Oleyar married, February 10, 1899, Anna Hayne, of Lodi, New Jersey, and their children are: 1. Theodore Frank, graduated from the Mining and Mechanical Institute of Freeland and attended the University of Pennsylvania. He assists his father; and he married Seraphine Bonomo. 2. Mary, gradu- ated from Freeland High School, attended Syracuse University for two years, and grad- uated from the New York School of Music and Arts. She married Harold M. Woelfel. 3. Oion J., graduated from the Mining and Mechanical Institute of Freeland, attended Culver Military Academy for a year, and attended Lehigh University. He also assisted his father. He married Sarah Gallagher. 4. Victor H., graduated from the Mining and Mechanical Institute of Freeland, class of 1928, and entered Bucknell University. Mr.
Oleyar and his family reside at No. 533 Vine Street, Freeland.
JOHN J. PUSTI-One of the active and pro- gressive members of the community at Hazle- ton, Pennsylvania, John J. Pusti is a funeral director at No. 480 West Broad Street. Thor- oughly trained in his profession, he carries a complete line of the most modern equip- ment, his quick sympathy and ready tact in the discharge of his professional duties, en- abling him to carry on his work in a very successful way.
Mr. Pusti was born at Harwood, Pennsyl- vania, August 15, 1898, a son of John and Anna (Locker) Pusti, both natives of Austria. John Pusti came to the United States as a young man settling at Harwood. Until the year 1898, he worked in the mines at that place. Coming to West Hazleton at the end of this time, he established his hotel which he operated until his death on. March 7, 1924, at the age of forty-nine. Politically a mem- ber of the Democratic party he was active in community affairs, and a member of St. John's Greek Catholic Church, of Hazleton. Anna (Locker) Pusti is still living and of her marriage with John Pusti, several chil- dren were born: 1. John J., of whom further. 2. Anna, who married Michael Lopchak. 3. Amel. 4. Jacob. 5. Helen.
John J. Pusti was educated in the public schools of Pennsylvania, after which for some years, he acted as bookkeeper for Swift and Company. On December 8, 1921, however, he was graduated from Eckels School of Embalming, in Philadelphia, and in January, 1923, was licensed to practice his profession. Soon afterwards he established his business in Hazleton, in which, having quickly won the confidence of the community, he was im- mediately successful. In 1928 he was ap- pointed deputy coroner of Luzerne County for a term of four years, to operate in Hazle- ton and vicinity, and in June, 1928, he hought a fine invalid car, the only one in the city. Mr. Pusti is a member of the Luzerne County Funeral Directors' Association and also a member of the State association. He has always been interested in the growth and welfare of the community in whose various activities he plays an active part. He is a member of the West Hazleton Fire Company, and affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He and his wife attend St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, at Hazleton and are members of the Sts. Peter and Paul societies, and Holy Trinity Society.
On July 1, 1924, John J. Pusti married Pauline Parish, of Hazleton. Mrs. Pusti is a talented musician, and is now organist at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, having played in local churches for several years past.
LESTER P. TREVASKIS, D. D. S .- A native of Freeland, Pennsylvania, Dr. Lester P. Tre- vaskis has spent the greater nart of his life in his birthplace where, since completing his course in the University of Pennsylvania in 1919, he has been successfully practicing as a dental surgeon. His offices are located at No. 608 Center Street, in Freeland, where he is taking care of a large clientele.
Dr. Lester P. Trevaskis was born in Free- land, Pennsylvania, November 9, 1895, son of John H. and Mary A. (Philips) Trevaskis, both natives of Freeland, the father a manu- facturer of overalls in Sunbury, Pennsyl- vania. After completing the usual courses in the public school, Dr. Trevaskis prepared for professional life by entering the Dental De- partment of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with the class of 1919, receiving the degree of Doctor of
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Dental Surgery. Upon the completion of his course he returned to Freeland and engaged in practice. He is well known in this section and during the nine years which have passed since he opened his offices here he has won the confidence of a large following and has built up a large practice. He is a member of the Luzerne County Dental Association, also of the Pennsylvania State Dental Asso- ciation, and of the American Dental So- ciety, and among his professional colleagues is recognized as one who has demonstrated his right to be known as a successful man of his profession. He is interested and active in civic affairs, and there are few public pro- jects planned for the general good which fail to receive his generous support. He is a charter member and treasurer of the Rotary Club, and a member of the Young Men's Christian Association. Fraternally, he is identified with Lodge No. 611, Free and Ac- cepted Masons; and with Lehigh Consistory; and he is also a member of Lodge No. 1145, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. During the period of the participation of the United States in the World War Dr. Treva- skis served in the Medical Reserve Corps, be- ing mustered out in 1919. He has many friends in Freeland and vicinity, and both he and his wife are held in high esteem among a large group of associates. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Dr. Lester P. Trevaskis was married, June 7, 1922, to Edna D. Davis, daughter of Ben- jamin Davis, of Freeland. Dr. and Mrs. Tre- vaskis make their home at No. 605 Main Street, in Freeland.
JOSEPH C. KOCHCZYNSKI, M. D .- Born at Mount Carmel, Northumberland County, the son of Jacob and Margaret Kochczynski, the former a native of Poland who came to this country in 1863, it did not take long for Dr. Joseph Kochczynski to decide that the healing of the sick and suffering was to be his career, and as soon as he completed his preliminary educational work he began the study of medicine.
The early education of Dr. Kochczynski was acquired in the State Normal School at Bloomsburg, Columbia County, from which he was graduated with the class of 1909. He then entered the medical school of the Medico-Chirurgical College in Philadelphia, and graduated in 1913 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Kochczynski served as interne at St. Francis' Hospital at Trenton, New Jersey, for one year, and in 1914 he located in Hazleton, Luzerne County, Penn- sylvania, where he quickly acquired an ex- tensive and lucrative practice. He is a mem- ber of the county, State and American medi- cal societies, and is a past president of the Hazleton branch of the county organization.
In the World War, Dr. Kochczynski gave freely of his skill and science to the relief of those wounded and shattered in mind and body in that great struggle. He volunteered for service in 1917, and was with the Medical Department at Fort Oglethorpe. Later he was assigned to the 49th Infantry of the United States Army, and he went overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces in 1918. He was with the 308th Motor Transport Corps, and when the Armistice was declared was assigned to the American Armistice Com- mission, serving with this body on its visit to Berlin. He was placed in charge of Rus- sian prisoners of war in hospitals in Chem- nitz, Saxony, and other cities in that section, and helped in their repatriation. On his re- turn from Germany. Dr. Kochczynski was placed in the medical detachment of the com-
posite regiment known as "Pershing's Own," and returned with the first division to Amer- ica, being mustered out at Camp Dix in No- vember, 1919, with the rank of captain. He resumed his practice in Hazleton and quickly gathered around him the patients who had regretted to see him depart, and welcomed his return.
Dr. Kochczynski is very much to the fore in all civic activities in Hazleton. He is a director of the American Bank, and a member of the leading Polish societies of that city. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Hazleton Lodge, No. 200, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is one of the foremost members of the local Post of the American Legion.
In 1921 Dr. Kochczynski married Dorothy Waschko, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Dr. and Mrs. Kochczynski are the parents of one child, a son, Joseph C., Jr. The family resi- dence is at No. 250 North Wyoming Street, Hazleton.
VINCENT J. LUPCO-One of Nanticoke's most progressive young business men, Vin- cent J. Lupco, is a leader in the insurance world, representing twelve different com- panies, specializing particularly in automo- bile insurance, in which he has a large cli- entele. He is one of this city's best-known citizens, taking an active interest in all pro- jects for community advancement and im- provement and is ever an enthusiastic sup- porter of all movements which tend to ad- vance the welfare and good of all.
Mr. Lupco was born in Nanticoke, July 19, 1898, son of Andrew and Mary M. (Fabian) Lupco, both of whom are residents of Nanti- coke, coming originally from Austria- Hungary to this country, and locating in Nanticoke about 1884. Andrew Lupco was engaged in the mining industry for a few years, after which he opened what was prob- ably the first hotel in Nanticoke, conducting a prosperous business until 1904, when he became president and organizer of the Penn- sylvania Slovak, Roman and Greek Catholic Union, the headquarters of which society are now located at the corner of North and North Main streets, Wilkes-Barre, being at present, one of the strong fraternal insurance organi- zations in this country. He was occupied in the affairs of this organization, building it up steadily from 1904 to 1911, during which time he officiated as its president. In 1911, he opened an independent office as an insurance broker in Wilkes-Barre and has ever con- tinued to devote his entire attention to affairs of insurance. He was one of the prime fac- tors in the founding of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church at Nanticoke, which edifice is located at Noble and Prospect streets. Mr. and Mrs. Lupco are the parents of seven chil- dren: 1. John, engaged in the oil business at Altoona, Kansas. 2. Andrew, one of the chief electricians of the General Electric Company plant at Los Angeles, California. 3. Anna, married Frank Hayne, a merchant of Free- land. 4. Michael, a hotel clerk at Adrian, Michigan. 5. Vincent J., of whom further. 6. Joseph A., a collector in the Department of Internal Revenue, Scranton District. 7. Eliza- beth, married Andrew Sable, a mechanic of Nanticoke.
Vincent J. Lupco was educated in the pub- lic schools of Nanticoke, graduating from high school in 1918, being the first boy of Slovak parentage to complete the high school course in Nanticoke High School. Having a desire and aptitude for the insurance busi- ness, he was occupied in 1919 for a short time as claim adjuster for the Ocean Accident & Guarantee Corporation of New York. He
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then entered Bucknell University, where he took a special two-year course in business and insurance, graduating with distinction and honor. In 1923, he was appointed special agent for the Milwaukee Mechanics Fire In- surance Company, and in this capacity trav- eled over the entire State of Pennsylvania. In 1924, he became manager of the local agency of Andrew Lupco and Son, continuing in this association until May, 1927, when he engaged in business independently. In addi- tion to the many companies that he repre- sents, Mr. Lupco is district manager of the United Life & Accident Insurance Company, of Concord, New Hampshire. His business has grown remarkably, due mainly to his tireless energy and popular and affable manner, and he enjoys the distinction of heading an or- ganization which is rated third in importance in this city for volume of business handled. Mr. Lupco is a member of the National Asso- ciation of Insurance Agents, the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania, the Luzerne County Insurance Exchange, and he was one the organizers of the Nanticoke Insurance Exchange. In March, 1928, he was appointed Alderman of Nanticoke by Governor Fisher. He has been special police magistrate, and acting mayor during absence of the mayor. He is an active member of the Republican party and his religious affiliation is with St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church.
Vincent J. Lupco married, August 25, 1921, Bertha P. Zima, of Parsons, which is now a part of the city of Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Lupco is a graduate of Parsons High School and later studied stenography and secretarial work. They have one son, Carl, born Feb- ruary 1, 1923.
DR. A. D. HOEBENER-As the years pass and scientific knowledge increases, the means by which human suffering is prevented, re- lieved, and cured steadily change and grow in theory and in practice. Fifty years ago, the chiropractic, as such, was non-existent. Today, all over the world doctors of chiro- practic are getting at the cause of numerous ailments by external treatment of the spine. Lesions, displacements, and old, muscle- bound mal-adjustments are being rectified without drugs, by mechanical manipulation, and in the wake of these corrections come in- numerable cures. Among those who are suc- cessfully practicing this highly natural method of correcting some of the ills of humanity, is Dr. A. D. Hoebener, who has been engaged in practice in Hazleton, Penn- sylvania, for the past five years. Dr. Hoe- bener is a graduate of the Palmer School of Chiropractic, and has his offices at No. 308 in the American Bank Building in Hazleton.
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