Lewis J. Kistler

Lewis J. Kistler, of White Haven, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026. He was a humble man who loved his family deeply and always made those around him feel seen.

Born in Hazleton, he grew up much loved by his many friends and relatives in the Weatherly and White Haven areas. An outstanding athlete, he excelled at basketball, baseball, and wiffleball —and rumor has it he could shoot rats at the town dump with the best of them. He was a proud member of the Weatherly High School Hall of Fame and always enjoyed talking about his high school basketball days.

He married the love of his life, Linda (Muraro), and together they shared 56 years of love, laughter, deep friendship, and true partnership. Their three daughters, Joyce, Jennifer and Lesley; 7 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren are all testaments to the wonderful life they built together.

To his family, he was laughter around the dinner table, late night conversations, shared dreams, and a presence that made their home feel whole. His friendships were genuine, and his loyalty was unwavering.

Yard sales were his passion for many years. He would cruise around the area with his buddy, Pete, buying useful things that they would later sell at their own annual sale. It was not unheard of for the two of them to buy out other yard sales so they could turn a profit later. Generous to a fault, if he knew you collected something, he started collecting it for you, too. He would go to the basement, into the garage, or in the trunk of his car, pulling out a treasure he insisted was just for you. Often, things would simply show up on porches as he made his way along the yard sale circuit.

Lew enjoyed teasing and telling jokes, doing Sudoku puzzles, and sneaking money to his grandchildren. He regularly played cards with Linda and their friends, Rich and Janet, with the guys always trying (but not always succeeding) to beat the girls.

He was gentle and kind, and could sing any baby he ever met to sleep.

People naturally gravitated to his side, and children of all ages loved him.

All the kids would scramble into his lap for a story or a silly song, to share a snack, or just to get a hug. He was always quick with a joke, a story, or a kind word that brightened everyone's day.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his daughters, Joyce Gombeda and husband Edward, Jennifer Solonoski, Lesley McDermott and her husband Terry; his 7 grandchildren Megan Chapman and her husband Justin, Brian Gombeda and his wife Margaret Mead, Drew Solonoski, Jacob Solonoski, Ty McDermott, Cassidy McDermott and Benjamin Gombeda; his 3 great-grandchildren Keeva Mead-Kojeszewski, Marilla Gombeda, Rosemary Chapman, sisters Dolores McInroy, Kay Abboud and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father Lewis D. Kistler, his mother Helen (Mason) Kistler, his brother Robert Kistler, His sister Mariyn Grula, and his grandson Wyatt Solonski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 10:30 am at St. Patrick's Church, White Haven. Friends and family are invited to gather to share stories, celebrate his legacy, and remember the joy he brought into all of our lives from 9:30 am until time of Mass at the church.

In Lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to St. Patrick's Church, White Haven.

Arrangements under the direction of the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. 

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