Harold Trethaway

Harold P. "Jake" Trethaway, 96, Dallas, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Hospice of The Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit, Dunmore. He passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side. Born in Pittston, PA he was the son of the late Albert and Marie Williams Trethaway and was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School and Bloomsburg State Teacher's College, where he was the captain of the baseball team. He continued his education at New York University, earning his master's degree in administration.

He taught math at Dimock High School and James M. Coughlin High School for several years before becoming Vice-President in charge of personnel at Fowler Dick and Walker, the Boston Store which would later become Boscov's. During that time, he served on the board of directors of Luzerne County Community College, Wilkes-Barre Area Vo-Tech, Wilkes-Barre Head Start Association, Wilkes-Barre Area Child Development Council, and the Wilkes-Barre Area Redevelopment Authority. He retired in 1985. He was a member of the former Abbott United Methodist Church, Parsons and later a member of Firwood United Methodist Church, Wilkes-Barre.

Jake was a veteran of World War II and was in the Battle of The Bulge and Remagen Bridge conflicts with the 9th Armored Division and 16th Field Artillery as a forward observer, receiving several commendations as a 2nd Lieutenant. For his service in WWII he received the Good Conduct Medal, a Battlefield Commission, 3 Service Stars, the ETO Ribbon, the American Theater Victory Ribbon, and the Presidential Citation from President Dwight D. Eisenhower. After his discharge from active duty, he enlisted in the Army Reserve where he served as the former commander of the 402nd Military Police in Wilkes-Barre, attaining the rank of Colonel before his retirement. He was also a past president and treasurer of the Reserve Officers Association He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, the former Frances I. Austin, daughter Virginia Perrego, brother Albert Trethaway, and sister Jane George. Surviving are his daughter, Janice E. Horn and her husband Edward, of Dallas, with whom he resided. Sons, Richard Trethaway and his wife Patty of Tuscaloosa Alabama, David Trethaway and his wife Anne Marie of Toms River, NJ. Sister, Marjorie Trethaway, Wilkes-Barre. Grandchildren Lea Grimes, Amy Moss, Lauren Brennan, Melissa Lopez, David Perrego, Mark Perrego, Maria Trethaway, Laura Trethaway, Erik Horn, and Kevin Horn. Great-Grandchildren Katie Fox, Brendan Fox, Jared Lopez, Josie Grimes, Cooper Brennan, Parker Brennan, Baylor Brennan, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral will be Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 10:00 am at The Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Inc., 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas, with The Rev. Jack Jones, First Reformed Church of Plymouth officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be at Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville. Friends may call Monday from 6 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to the Alzheimer's Association or Firwood Methodist Church.