Robert Megatulski, 98, passed away peacefully Feb. 21, 2023, at his home of 75 years in Forty Fort.
Bob was born to Rose and Alex Megatulski of Blackman St., Wilkes Barre, where he attended public
schools before serving in the 77 th Naval “Seabee” Construction Battalion from 1942-1946 to help build
air strips, hospitals, and bases in the Pacific Rim islands of New Caledonia, Goudal Canal, Vella La Vella,
Bougainville, Emirau Island, Milne Bay on New Guinea, and Manilla, Philippines.
He earned a Navy Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal,
Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and an Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Battle Stars. Bob
maintained a lifelong connection to his brothers in arms, attending meetings of US Seabee Veterans of
America Island X-IV and traveling to Seabee Conventions throughout the U.S.
Always true to the Seabee motto: “No job too big, no job too small, don’t cuss, call us!” he worked as a
salesman for Harris Hardware in Kingston, a truck mechanic for Abe N. Solomon, Inc., and as a service
manager for Luzerne County Transportation Authority while strongly engaged in his community. He was
a member of the Forty Fort Republican Club, served 3 terms on the Forty Fort Town Council, and 2 terms
as Mayor of Forty Fort. For more than 25 years he was delighted to portray Santa Claus at community
events, and he never tired of showing off his harmonica repertoire almost to his very last days.
Bob was preceded in death in by his wife Louise (DiPietro), daughter Karen, and sisters Dorothy
Bielawski, and Betty Megatulski. He is survived by his son Robert Jr. and wife Beth of Agawam, MA,
sister Leona Wolfe of Bear Creek, PA, granddaughters Nicole Armour (Sean) of Holland, PA, and
Courtney Stavis (Jesse) of Meadowbrook, PA, great-grandchildren Ryan and Hunter Armour, and Eli and
Carly Stavis, several nieces, nephews, and extended family. He will always be remembered for his “Can
Do” attitude, sparkling blue eyes, and ready smile.
Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St. Wilkes-Barre is arranging interment at St.
Mary’s Cemetery in Hanover, PA at the family’s convenience. Friends and acquaintances are welcome to
join family for a memorial service at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Catholic Church, Hughes St., Swoyersville.
Many thanks to Home Instead Senior Care, the Geisinger@Home team, and Allied Services Hospice for
keeping Bob comfortable during his final days.
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