Robert J. "Bob" Gaughan

Robert J. “Bob” Gaughan, 67, of South Scranton, died Monday afternoon at Regional Hospital of Scranton peacefully surrounded by his loving wife and devoted children. He and his wife, the former Colleen Cummings, would have celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary on June 25.
Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Robert and Mary Margaret Farrell Gaughan and was a member of St. John Neumann Parish in South Scranton. Bob was a graduate of Bishop Hannan High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Mercyhurst University in Erie. Before retirement, he worked as a realtor and had previously co-owned a medical supply company in Dunmore.
In this difficult time, in a world turned upside down, we all have a lot we could cry about. But Bob Gaughan, who faced more challenges than most, fought with an almost herculean will to continue to live and laugh and sit on the porch, maybe even to smoke a cigar. Bob held onto life with a super-human tenacity surviving what seemed like endless battles confirming him as a true Fighting Irishman, including learning how to walk but not on his own two feet. Bless him. Buoyed by his proud Irish heritage and blessed by a large family who was his heart, Bob stood tall as the bravest of the brave. He is a hero to his heartbroken children and his and Colleen’s love story was so full of such sweet affection and grace that it takes your breath away. Bob set the bar high on how to live a full life, filled with love, laughter and extraordinary courage. Let us honor his memory by promising him we will all strive to see the sunshine as brightly as he did. Shine on.
Also surviving are three daughters, Michele Gaughan, Tunkhannock; Molly Skrutski and her husband, Anthony, North Abington Twp.; and Caitlin Gaughan, Dalton; three sons, twin boys, Bryan, of Factoryville; and Brendan, of Bethesda, Md.; and Tim Gaughan and his wife, Melanie, Olyphant; nine grandchildren, Emma and Amanda Rushworth, Noah, Mason, and twins Emily and Ella Skrutski, Kayden Gaughan, and Shamus and Benjamin Gaughan; three sisters, Mary Ann Potelunas and her husband, James, Old Forge; Kathryn Hills and her husband, Wallace, Texas; and Rosie Callahan, Florida; a brother, William Gaughan and his wife, Amy, Moscow; and several nieces and nephews.
His family also wants to thank all the doctors, nurses and medical staff that have provided Bob with incredible care throughout the years. We especially want to thank the doctors and nurses in the Intensive Care Unit at the Regional Hospital of Scranton, for doing everything they could to make his family feel comforted and supported.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. in Nativity of Our Lord Church, 633 Orchard St. in South Scranton. All those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to the church. Cremation to follow.
The viewing will be held Thursday in the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc., 318 E. Drinker St. in Dunmore from 5 to 8 p.m. Condolences may be electronically sent to the family by visiting www.NEPAfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice, some options close to home for his family include the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association.

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