In Memoriam...
Robert F Kile Sr

Mt Zion Assistant Chief, Robert "Bob" F Kile Sr. passed away unexpectedly June 19, 2020. In addition to Mt Zion, Bob served as Franklin Township Fire Chief, Harding Mt Zion Ambulance Second Assistant Commander and EMT, Exeter Township Supervisor, husband, father, grandfather, and great friend to so many. He was so deeply involved in our fire company, helping it run smoothly, selling so many tickets for fund-raisers, and responding to so many calls. Bob was always there to help others. Whether he knew you or not, he would be there for you. He deeply enjoyed playing Santa Claus for many organizations to bring happiness and comfort to countless children, parents, and special needs persons.
Our hearts are broken. Words cannot express how much we will miss you Bob. But our loss is heaven's gain. We love you. God-Speed.
Our hearts are broken. Words cannot express how much we will miss you Bob. But our loss is heaven's gain. We love you. God-Speed.
Andrew "A.J." J. Jones

Chief AJ Jones: AJ served in several fire companies at the time of his passing including Mt Zion Fire. He was the Wyoming Hose Company #1 Fire Chief. He also served the Borough of Swoyersville as a full-time police officer. AJ was knowledgeable on the fireground and a pleasure to train with. He will be missed by so many in the police and fire brotherhood.
Richard "Dick" E. King

On October 24, 2019, founding member and former treasurer of the Mt Zion Bicentennial Volunteer Fire Company passed away. Dick served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and in Germany. Without his trusted financial guidance, Mt Zion Fire would not be the fire company it is today. Thank you, Dick, for your countless selfless hours dedicated to this fire company and your community.
Donald "Ducky" C. Gross Jr.
Ducky Gross, one of our founding members, passed away January 30, 2017. He served our country in the United States Marine Corp. This continued to be a passion for him as he was active in collecting "Toys for Tots" with the Corp. He, along with other founding members, helped build the building we use today. His dedication to the Mt Zion Bicentennial Volunteer Fire Company even caused him to be injured while helping build our facility. .
Ducky, we are thankful for your service to our country and our town. Thank you. |
Martin "Foxy" Mackin
March 29, 2016, several of our firefighters traveled for the viewing and then the funeral tomorrow of our beloved Foxy. He volunteered with several fire departments in the area, serving as a fire police officer. Whenever his pager went off (which it did often), he would be on his way to give selflessly of his time and resources to help keep us and the public safe. We enjoyed sitting with him during picnics or other social gatherings, talking about various things. We respected his moral character as he was not afraid to stand up for what was right. Foxy, we will miss you more than you can imagine. Thank you for your service to us, the community, and the Wyoming Valley. Thank you for being a friend.
From all of your brother and sister firefighters...your friends, may you rest in peace. Godspeed.
From all of your brother and sister firefighters...your friends, may you rest in peace. Godspeed.
Ronald Henry "Ron" Williams Sr.

December, 2015, Ron Williams, Charter Member passed away. When he moved to Mt Zion Road, Harding, he was very concerned that there was no nearby fire company. He organized, and was a founding member and past president of the Mount Zion Bicentennial Volunteer Fire Department, which was organized in the living room of his home in 1975, and whose building he helped build.
Ron, we thank you for your vision, for your hard work, for your love of community. Your Mt Zion Fire family.
Ron, we thank you for your vision, for your hard work, for your love of community. Your Mt Zion Fire family.
Robert "Bob" Appleby

It is with great heart break that we must announce the passing of life member and brother firefighter Robert "Bob" Appleby. We have all had the honor of becoming better fireman, and people for having the pleasure of knowing him. With his many years of experience as a firefighter for Mt. Zion and former Fire Chief of the Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department, he was always willing to give pointers or take the time to educate the members so we would understand the true dangers of our biggest enemy, which was fire. His legacy and spirit will live on though out all the fireman in which he helped mold and shape to be the best of the best, along with knowledge, his practical jokes, or fun filled stories that he always had for us. He was always just full of life and his presence and smile would always lighten the mood. As we keep Bob's family in our thoughts and prayers, we can keep a smile on our faces to honor him and know that the heavens needed another firefighter and by calling Bob home we know they will gain the experience that is required, with a couple laughs in between. We will never forget you Appleby. It's time for your rest, we've got it from here!
Donald J. Hoffman Sr.

September 26, 2013, Don Hoffman left his earthly home. He was instrumental in the beginnings of the Mt Zion Fire Company as well as being an Exeter Township Supervisor for many years. You will be sorely missed. Don, thank you for what you have done to help our community.
Your Mt Zion family.
Your Mt Zion family.
Willis T. "Pop" Hapeman
Willis Hapeman, a longtime member of the Mt Zion Fire company, passed away on October 3, 2004. Much of the electrical work done at the firehouse was done by Willis and his son. He joined the Mt. Zion Fire Company in 1977 and became assistant chief in 1978 and chief in 1979. He served as chief until the time when he became a trustee in 1988. In 1990, he became the Mt Zion President, a position he held until his death in 2004. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eddie Hapeman, also a long time member of Mt Zion Fire. He was a father figure to many at the fire company, giving advice and a comforting hand. He is truly missed.
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Edith M. (Edie) Hapeman

Edie Hapemen, the voice of "Mt Zion Base," passed away on May 14, 1997. Whenever Mt Zion Fire would be called out, Edie faithfully manned the base, ready to assist in any way needed. Often, she would be called to make phone calls for the chief or for other firefighters on scene, especially since cell phones did not exist. Night or day, she was there for us. Utilizing the Mt Zion Base radio, she would often help the Exeter Township Road Department and the Harding Mt Zion Ambulance. She was a match for her husband, Willis, and made him complete. Eddie, because of you, we were a lot safer on calls. Thank you.
Leonard C. "Lenny" Insalaco II

Lenny Insalaco passed away while fighting a commercial structure fire at Labarre's Stationary Store on Main Street in Pittston at the young age of 20 years. He had responded to the fire with the West Pittston Hose Company No. 1 and died alongside Pittston firefighter John Lombard when the structure collapsed underneath them. He gave the ultimate sacrifice as he laid down his life for others. Lenny, we miss you. May God bless and watch over your family as you have gone on before them. Thank you, Lenny, for being the man and example that you were.
Your Mt Zion Family…
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Your Mt Zion Family…
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.