Mr. Bernard C. (Ben) Nitowski, 92, of Duryea, passed away Friday, July 28, 2023, at Elan Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, Scranton.

Born in Duryea, he was the son of the late Alexander and Helen Smiegel Nitowski and was a graduate of Duryea High School. He served in the United States Navy. Prior to his retirement, Ben was employed by the former Dr. Stanley Stachacz, Dickson City as an optician. 

He was a man of strong faith as a lifelong member of Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Duryea, where he was baptized and faithfully attended mass every week, as well as volunteered at their fall festivals and block parties, alongside his wife, Dolores. He was a lover of family traditions and made sure to pass them along to his grandchildren, including the art of making the perfect pierogis. He was a member and past president of the Duryea Lions Club and delivered for Meals on Wheels for 12 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Dolores Zuchleski, whom he always said was one in a billion, passed away on September 1, 2018, daughter in law, Tina Linn and several brothers and sisters.

Surviving are:
Son, Dr. Leonard Nitowski and his wife, Dianne Balkaran, of Wilmington, DE
Son, Bernard Nitowski Jr. and his wife, Jane, of Duryea
Daughter, Marie Carmadella and her husband, Frank, of Duryea

Also surviving are his grandchildren, who he was extremely proud of and each endearingly nicknamed:
Frankie Carmadella
Tara Martin and her husband, Mackenzie "Mack"
Amanda Nitowski
Alex Nitowski
Dr. Jenna Nitowski Luu and her husband, Dr. Philip Luu
Diana Nitowski
Laura Nitowski and her husband, Berkley Dietvorst

Great grandson:
Archibald "Archie" Martin

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 11:00 am in Holy Rosary Church, 127 Stephenson Street, Duryea with the Rev. John Polednak officiating.  Interment will be Holy Rosary Cemetery, Duryea.  Arrangements are by the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main Street, Duryea. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 100 William Street, Dunmore, PA 18510 or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave an online condolence for Ben's family, please visit the funeral home website, www.piontekfuneralhome.com.

PLEASE NOTE: YOUR ONLINE CONDOLENCE WILL NOT APPEAR UNDER THE GUESTBOOK ENTRIES UNTIL IT IS APPROVED BY THE FUNERAL HOME

Guestbook Entries

My wife and I knew Ben from Dr. Stanley Stachacz's office in Dickson City. We knew him for many years there and it didn't take long for someone to realize that it would be difficult to find a nicer person than Ben. Our deepest condolences to his family.

Steven and Elaine Mahoney (over 1 year ago)

What a special man Uncle Bernie was! He was the last one who continued the tradition started by my dad of calling me Champy! I have fond memories of coming into Duryea to visit him and Cioci Dolores. RIP, Uncle Bernie. I'm sorry to the family that I'm not going to be able to come into Pennsylvania for the services. Know that you all are and have been in my thoughts and prayers

Janice Donahue (over 1 year ago)

To the Nitowski family we are sorry for your loss … Mr Nitowski was a gentleman… and he and Delores were a great couple! And they raised nice kids who also raised nice kids …so sorry Amanda!

Judy and Tom Lambert (over 1 year ago)

Dear Bernie, Marie and family, Pat and I are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.

Andrea Cooper (over 1 year ago)

So sorry for your loss.

Jeff and Jen-Nai (over 1 year ago)

I have many fond memories of Ben mostly if his many visits to my Mom in her later years to fill her in on the Nitowski family. So very sorry . May he rest in peace.”

Mary Anne Riviello and family (over 1 year ago)

Our deepest sympathy to the Nitowski family Growing up as a kid remembering Ben as a kid he was a model citizen and a devout catholic and great relative God bless and rest in peace

Eugene Majewski (over 1 year ago)

So sorry for your loss! Your DAD was a fine msn!

Bob & Theresa RYZNER (over 1 year ago)

Very sorry to all of you for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers

Justin Tonte (over 1 year ago)

Uncle Bernie was a Special person. Uncle Bernie was a Special Person . He's at peace now, God Bless Him

Rosemarie Doouty (over 1 year ago)

So sorry for your loss. He was a great person. Always took time to talk. Mary Ellen and I offer our sincere condolences. May he RIP.

Robert Galuska (over 1 year ago)

Please accept our deepest sympathy Bernie and family. God bless

Lorrie Slatky (over 1 year ago)

May the Lord comfort you all in this time of loss!

David and Barbara Linn (over 1 year ago)

Sincere sympathy to the Nitowski family. Fond memories of Ben as classmate of the class of 1948 Duryea High School.

Alice Lech Laning (over 1 year ago)

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Both your Mom and Dad were such good friends of my parents. The last time I saw your Dad was at my Father's viewing. At that time we were unaware the your mom had passed. They were both such nice people. May they both have eternal peace.

Pat and Mary Ann Campo-Musheno (over 1 year ago)

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