Fred J. Priestman, age 66, of Lightstreet, died on Wednesday morning, December 2, 2015 at his home surrounded by family and under the care of Geisinger Columbia Montour Hospice. Fred had been a resident of Scott Township for over 25 years.
Fred was born on Sunday, June 12, 1949 in Wilkes-Barre, one of four children to Fred and Jean (Wermuth) Priestman. While growing up in Nanticoke, he attended the area schools and graduated from the Nanticoke High School in 1967. Immediately following his education, Fred enlisted with the United States Navy where he served his country faithfully during the Vietnam War. After an honorable discharge, he received a nursing degree at Wilkes College in 1978. For over 30 years, Fred was employed as a nurse at the Danville State Hospital in Montour County. Fred attended the Hidlay Lutheran Church in Bloomsburg, and was also known in the community for umpiring and coaching the local Little League teams for many years. His family will always remember his devoted loyalty to his favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers, and also his love of the outdoors, hunting and his family.
In addition to his parents, Fred was also preceded in death by a daughter: Holly Ann Priestman on April 13, 1974 and also by a brother: Richard Priestman on March 3, 1958.
Surviving is his beloved wife of 30 years, Dixie (Knittle) Priestman, of Lightstreet; six children: Richard Priestman and wife, Jennifer, of Bloomsburg; Ann Yosh and husband, Frank, of Berwick; Nicole Price and husband, Cameron, of Lawrenceville, GA; Erin Moran and husband, Jim, of Berwick; Jeremy Robbins and wife, Penny, of Nescopeck; Megan Scerbo and husband, Robert, of Orangeville; fourteen grandchildren: Julia, Preston, Bailee, Seth, Luke, Frankie, Braelyn, Levi, Indi, Emily, Jack, Lexi, Alex and Norah; a sister: Lynda Naperkowski and husband, Joe, of Wilkes-Barre; and a brother: Wayne Priestman of Nanticoke.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday evening, December 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc. 745 Market at Eighth Street in Bloomsburg.
Funeral services will also begin on Saturday morning, December 5 at 10 a.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., in Bloomsburg with his pastor, Rev. Melody Sell, officiating. Graveside committal services with full Military Honors will immediately follow in the Lightstreet Highland Cemetery, Scott Township. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to be serving the Priestman family.
Memorial contributions in Fred's name are suggested to: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis TN 38105 www.St.Jude.org .