William J. Nellis

William J. Nellis, 89, of North Scranton, died Sunday at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, the former Ann "Nonie" McAllister, in March 2011.

Born in Carmel, N.Y., he was the son of William F.J. and Rosemary Mulholland Nellis. He was a 1946 graduate of St. Mary's High School, Katonah, N.Y., and a 1955 graduate of the University of Scranton. A United States Navy veteran, he served as an aerographer's mate (meteorologist) aboard the USS Philippine Sea (CV 47), the flagship of Admiral Richard Byrd's expedition to the South Pole.

Bill was employed for 36 years by the United States Postal Service. He began his career as a clerk, served in multiple positions and eventually retired as postmaster of the Scranton Post Office in 1986. He was active in employee organizations, serving as state vice president and secretary of Local 101 of the National Federation of Post Office Clerks, president of the Scranton chapter of the National Association of Postal Supervisors, and president and regional vice president of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States. Bill was also very active in community affairs. He was best known for his stewardship of the Kiwanis Club of Scranton as treasurer for more than 30 years and served on its board of directors. He loved the Kiwanis Club and was proud of his contributions to it. Other volunteer work included service to the United Way of Lackawanna County, chairman of Local Board 80 of the Selective Service System and board of directors of the Scranton Diocesan Board of Education. He also served on the finance committee of Holy Rosary Parish and, for many years, ran the food tent at its parish block party. He was a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Lackawanna County and served on its executive committee.

Bill truly loved his family, a round of golf, the New York Yankees, Notre Dame football, Syracuse Basketball and crab cakes and Guinness at Stirna's.

Surviving are a daughter, Noreen Schofield and husband, Jack, of Scranton; son, William Nellis and wife, Joanne, of Omaha, Neb.; and son, Joseph Nellis, of New York City. He was a proud "Poppa" to his 10 grandchildren, Sean Schofield, Port St. Lucie, Fla.; Ryan Schofield and wife, Bryn, Scranton; Maura Rovinsky and husband, Mike, Fairport, N.Y.; Kevin Schofield, Royersford; Michael Nellis and wife, Kristen, Washington, DC; Christopher Nellis, Omaha, Neb.; Mark Nellis and fiance, Caitlin Welty, Omaha, Neb.; Kate Nellis and fianc, Nick Youngstrom, Hoboken, N.J.; Tess Nellis, New York City; and Will Nellis, Wilton, Conn. He was the extra proud great-grandfather of three awesome great-grandchildren, Nora Schofield, Nolan Schofield and Maeve Rovinsky. He is also survived by a twin sister, Mary Parsons, Bradenton, Fla.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Hospice of the Sacred Heart. Their care and compassion are unmatched.

The funeral will be conducted Saturday with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, 316 William St., Scranton. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Friends and family may call Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Frank M. Regan Funeral Home, 715 Linden St., Scranton.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to Mary, Mother of God Parish, 316 William St., Scranton, PA 18508, or to the Kiwanis Club of Scranton, 409 Kingsley Blvd., Peckville, PA 18452.