Dr. Lewis C. Druffner, Jr., 85, a lifelong resident of Avoca, passed away on March 19,2019 at his home. He was born on January 15, 1934 and was the son of the late Dr. Lewis C. Druffner, Sr. and Cecelia Hilsher Druffner.
Lewis was a graduate of Scranton Preparatory High School, University of Scranton, 1955, and Jefferson Medical College, 1959. After an internship at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, Lewis enlisted with the United States Naval Reserve and served as a medical officer on Destroyers patrolling the Far East before transferring to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines as Battalion Surgeon.
After returning home from active duty in 1962, he assumed his father Dr. Lewis C. Druffner, Sr’s, family medical practice and continued as a solo practitioner for the next 34 years. In 1995, Lewis joined Mercy-Med-Care, now Intermountain Medical Group, and finally retired at the end of 2001. He spent the next 13 years volunteering at the University of Scranton’s Leahy Clinic and the Care and Concern Free Clinic in Pittston. In 2012, Lewis was honored with the Joseph Saporito Lifetime of Service Award by the Sunday Dispatch.
In his rare spare time, he particularly enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family, hunting, fishing, reading poetry, and sharing his extensive knowledge of local history with anyone who was interested.
Lewis is survived by his wife of 53 years, Catherine and their 6 children: Elizabeth (Michael) Guzzy, Kathleen Druffner, Thomas (Lara) Druffner, Michael (Kathryne) Druffner, Carl (JuliaGrace) Druffner, and Edward (Janette) Druffner; their grandchildren Brandon, Shannon, Ryan, Brooke, Malaina, and Simon; his siblings Dr. Charles Druffner, Suzanne Druffner, Kathryn (Jack) Fedigan, and Jean Druffner; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at 11:00 am at Queen of the Apostles Parish Church, 215 Hawthorne St, Avoca with Rev. Phillip Sladicka and Bishop John Dougherty officiating. Friends may call on Monday evening, March 25, 2019 from 4pm - 7pm at Queen of the Apostles Church. Interment services will be privately held at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow. AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston, will provide military honors.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Care and Concern Clinic of Pittston, 37 William St, Pittston, PA 18640; the University of Scranton Leahy Clinic, 230 Kressler Ct., Scranton, PA 18503; or the Avoca Hose Company, 740 Main St, Avoca, PA 18641.