Obituary of Paul Edward Niezgoda

Paul Edward Niezgoda, M.D., age 63, of Shavertown, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 13, 2015, while vacationing in Tuscany, Italy. Paul was born on September 22, 1951 in Nanticoke, PA. He was the son of Edward and Florence (Archavage) Niezgoda, of Lehman. Paul was a 1969 graduate of Lake-Lehman High School. He graduated from Wilkes University in 1973 with a B.S. degree in biology. Paul continued his education at Penn State Hershey College of Medicine from 1973-1977. He completed an Internal Medicine residency program at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA from 1977-1980. In 1980, he began his Gastroenterology Fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. In 1982, he began his career in private practice with Dr. David H. Moore, which lasted until Dr. Moore retired in 2006. In 2007, Paul joined the staff of Geisinger Wyoming Valley, where he continued to work until his death. Paul was a man of many interests and talents and enjoyed providing for his family. He was a farmer at heart and loved making hay, gardening, cultivating blueberries and fruit trees, and growing Christmas trees. Paul was a skilled woodworker and made many fine pieces of furniture. He took pride in maintaining his farming equipment and lending a hand to local friends. Paul liked to problem solve and have intellectual conversations with his friends and family. Paul had a passion for learning and liked science, physics, astronomy, history, math, aviation, and civil engineering. He obtained a single engine private pilot's license in June 1977. He loved traveling, listening to music while tinkering in the barn, and fixing things around the house. He enjoyed good food, wine, and craft beers. Paul was active in his local community and was Chairman of the Jackson Township planning commission. In addition to his parents, Paul is survived by his wife of 37 years, the former Claudia Zenyuch; son, Michael, and his wife, Lisa, Sewell, NJ; daughter, Katharine, Shavertown, PA; granddaughter, Jillian Niezgoda, Sewell, NJ; sister, Jane Balavage, Dallas, PA; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends; his beloved pets, Nova, Edie, and Autumn. Memorial donations, if desired, can be made to Penn State Hershey School of Medicine Class of 1977 scholarship fund, Wilkes University, Back Mountain Land Trust, or an organization of the donor's choice. A celebration of life service for Paul will be held at Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus in Lehman, PA in the Athletics and Recreation gymnasium on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 11 AM. A luncheon will follow the service.