Clifford Arden Hontz, age 84, resident of the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Scranton, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

Mr. Hontz was born in Sweet Valley on January 22, 1940 and was the son of the late Albert and Mae Hann Hontz, who passed away during Clifford's childbirth. Clifford was raised by the late Cletus and Clara Holcomb who he referred to as Mom and Dad.

He graduated from Lehman-Jackson-Ross High School in 1957 and enlisted in the US Army where he served in South Korea. After returning to the area, Clifford was employed at the Pocono Manor Resort, where he met and later married his wife of 55 years the late, Shirley Benscoter. He later was employed by the UGI Corporation for 42 years, working his final job as a turbine operator in their Hunlock Creek Plant.

In Clifford's younger years, he volunteered his time for the Sweet Valley Fire and Ambulance Companies. He was an avid country music fan, hunter, fisherman and loved following his children's sports and activities.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Hontz was preceded in death by his brothers, Warren, Robert, and Ronald Hontz.

Clifford is survived by his children, Beverly Morris and her husband, Charles of Nanticoke, Brad Hontz and his wife Mary of Sweet Valley, and Melissa James and her husband Brian of Jackson Twp.; grandchildren, Candice, Tina, Charles, Catherine, Brandon, Destin, Jared, Kyle and Justin; great-grandchildren, Jacklyn and Raylen.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 4:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Pastor Raymond Purdy of the Living Word Baptist Church, officiating.

Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial donations can be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com