John H. Lewis III

John H. Lewis, III, 53, of Lake Ariel, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2026, following a courageous twelve-year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

John, known to family and friends as "Lew," was born on May 28, 1973, in Scranton to Erika Strailman Hall and John H. Lewis Jr. He was raised by his mother and step-father, Stephen A. Hall, of Lake Ariel.

Lew graduated from Western Wayne High School in 1991 and later attended Keystone College as well as Johnson & Wales University. He spent most of his professional career as a respected insurance agent with Baltimore Life, but his real passion was in culinary arts. At numerous points in his life, he worked in restaurants throughout Northeast Pennsylvania and the Allentown area, where he shared his love of cooking and food.

For many years, Lew and his beloved wife Molly resided in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with their three rescue dogs. Following her passing in 2012, Lew returned to Lake Ariel to be closer to family. It was during this time that he was eventually diagnosed with ALS. Despite this diagnosis, Lew endured each day with remarkable strength and admirable determination. 

Along with his love of dogs, Lew was an avid reader, gamer, comic book collector, and had an exceptional knowledge of technology. He was passionate about many genres of music and always knew the perfect song for any occasion. Anyone who met him quickly noticed his intelligence, quick wit, sense of humor, and unique perspective on life. His laugh was instantly recognizable and contagious.

Though Lew's life was marked by many challenges, he embraced each obstacle with grace, courage, and kindness toward those around him. His family, especially his devoted mother, remained by his side, providing unwavering love, compassion, and care throughout his journey. He leaves behind a legacy of strength and perseverance. 

He will be remembered always as a loving son, brother, "funcle," and friend whose presence will be deeply missed. 

Lew is survived by his mother and step-father, Erika and Stephen Hall of Lake Ariel; his maternal grandmother Elisabeth Strailman of Carbondale, his three sisters, Megan Rush of Waymart, Phaedra Hall of Paupack, and Starlah Robbins and her husband, Mike, of Waymart; his niece, Makalin Hall, and great-niece, Paisley, his nephews, Mason Rush and Tanner Rush, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Molly (O'Dell) Lewis, his brother-in-law, Scott Rush, and his father, John H. Lewis, Jr.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to Lew's family to assist during this difficult time by using the donation link below.

Lew's family also wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to his ALS medical team as well as the doctors, nurses, medical staff of the Wayne Memorial Hospital Wound Care Department, Dr. Charles Kovalchick, Geisinger Surgical Unit in Wilkes Barre, and Hospice of the Sacred Heart for the exceptional compassion, kindness, and care they provided to Lew and his family throughout his illness.

Arrangements and cremation have been entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc., Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, Pennsylvania.