Dorothy Claherty

Dorothy Ann Claherty, 96, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving family at her home on April 13, 2026.

Born November 27, 1929 in Wilkes-Barre she was a daughter of the late Phillip and Dorothy Foroza Melleski.

Dorothy loved watching Lawrence Welk and the Polkas on Saturday nights. She spoke Polish fluently. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. A devoted Catholic, Dorothy was a lifetime communicant at the Church of Saint Patrick in Wilkes-Barre.

Dorothy graduated from E.L. Meyers High School. After raising her four children, she continued her education to pursue a career in nursing. She then worked at Valley Crest Nursing Home until her retirement.

Her beloved husband, John J. Claherty, died on August 20, 2000. Her daughter, Patricia Oschal; granddaughter, Julia Oschal; sisters, Stella Nartowicz and Sophie Brennan; and brothers, Phillip, Stanley, Joseph, Walter, and Eddie Melleski also preceded her in death.

Her daughter, Colleen, and her husband, Clifford Hannagan; sons Daniel Claherty and Jack, and his wife, Carol Claherty; son-in-law George and his wife, Corinne Oschal; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family, and friends will miss her very much.

Dorothy's entire family is grateful to Dr. Patrick Kerrigan and Staff, Serenity Hospice, and especially her caretakers Mary, Rosette, and Dee, for the warmth and compassionate care they shared with her.

Celebration of Dorothy's Life takes place on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Visitation begins at 8:30 AM at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM in the Church of the Parish of Saint Andrew, 336 Parrish Street in Wilkes-Barre.

Donations to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, bcfanimalrefuge.org/donate , are preferred and will honor Dorothy's memory.

Share memories and condolences with Dorothy's family at mjmclaughlin.com