The LuLac Edition #3703, January 28th, 2018

RAY GUSTAVE

(Photo: Times Leader)

This month has been a tough one for the Luzerne County Republican party. A few weeks ago Donna Baloga passed away and this past week it was Ray Gustave. Gustave ran unsuccessfully twice for Luzerne County Council and that to me was a shame. Having voted for Ray twice, I recognized that we needed quality, qualified people like Ray on the Council.
Ray had other things to contend with the time around and fought a courageous battle against cancer. Here is his obituary from the local papers. Please take a look at his qualifications and why the loss of someone so gifted is such a tragedy. RIP Mr. Gustave.
Raymond Paul Gustave, 71, of West Wyoming, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, at the Celtic Hospice Inpatient Unit at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, Ray was the middle son of the late Fred and Hattie Witt Gustave and graduated from Coughlin High School, Class of 1964. A Vietnam veteran, he served in the U.S. Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller, receiving the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal for his service in Vietnam. He graduated from Wilkes College, married his best friend and dancing partner of 44 years, the former Donna Duzen, and then began his career in federal service. After moving his family to Centreville, Va., he became Chief of the Financial Management Branch of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research. While there, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award in Administrative Excellence as well as numerous other awards. Ray devoted over 20 years to community service while living in Virginia, being deeply involved in land use and other community issues. Upon retiring, Ray and Donna moved to West Wyoming where he served as Borough Manager for two years. He was a man of deep faith and extremely involved in his parish, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and as a member of the Altar Guild. He enjoyed making pirohy and kreple for food sales and summer bazaars. He was also a life member of VFW Post 4909, Dupont.
In addition to his beloved wife, Donna, Ray is survived by two daughters who he loved beyond words and their families: Hilary (William) Browning, of Colorado, and Ashley (Shon) McManus, of Maryland, and step-granddaughter, Katelynd McManus. His young granddaughter, Madeleine Browning, brought him incredible joy even on his most difficult days. He leaves behind two brothers: Dr. Fred (Rhonda) Gustave, of Illinois, and Ken (Terri) Gustave, of Pringle, as well as sister-in-law Paula (Frank) Matthews, of Swoyersville, aunts Geri Witt, Irene Smith, "Aunt Val," along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to thank all those who provided excellent care, especially Medical Oncology Associates and Celtic Hospice. His "prayer warriors," who lifted him up, had a special place in his heart. Memories are sacred and eternal.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes St., Swoyersville, PA 18704 or to the AmVets Honor Guard, c/o Gerard Gurnari, ICO AMVETS, 111 Lidy Road, Dupont, PA 18641.

TOOHIL HOSTS PROPERTY TAX REFORM COFFEE THIS WEEK

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 TOOMEY OUT IN FRONT FOR LOU

U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) today endorsed Lou Barletta for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania.
In a video announcing his endorsement, Senator Toomey called Barletta a "trusted conservative, and a relentless fighter for hardworking Pennsylvanians."
"When we recently needed an ally in the House to pass the most sweeping tax reforms in a generation, Lou was there every step of the way," Toomey said. "It's time we all unite behind Lou and support him with our time, our energy, and most of all, with our vote."
"Senator Toomey has been a leading conservative voice in the U.S. Senate, and he has a strong record of winning tough campaigns in Pennsylvania," Barletta said. "I am proud to have his support and friendship, and I look forward to working with him to continue fighting for Pennsylvania."
The full text of Senator Toomey's endorsement video can be found below:
Hi, I’m U.S. Senator Pat Toomey.
I’m proud to announce my endorsement of Lou Barletta for the United States Senate. Lou has proven time and again, he is a trusted conservative, and a relentless fighter for hardworking Pennsylvanians.
No one in the House of Representatives has been more committed to fighting to protect our borders, or to ending dangerous sanctuary city policies, than Lou Barletta.
Lou has also been tireless in his efforts to repeal Obamacare, defend the sanctity of life, and to eliminate misguided liberal policies that have hurt American jobs.
And, when we recently needed an ally in the House to pass the most sweeping tax reforms in a generation, Lou was there every step of the way.
It’s time we all unite behind Lou and support him with our time, our energy, and most of all, with our vote.
My race in 2016 came down to the wire and Lou’s will be no different. Liberal special interests will be spending millions to try and defeat him. This is why I am asking you today to visit LouBarletta.com and learn more about the various ways you can join Lou’s team.
With your support, I am confident that Lou Barletta will be the next United States Senator from Pennsylvania.