
Michael R. Nowakowski, 60, of Scranton, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital after an illness. Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Raymond J. and Mary A. Coleman Nowakowski.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Ellen Needham Nowakowski; his three children, Michael Nowakowski and wife Amanda, Mallorie Pryal and husband Jeremy, and Jessica Nowakowski; his grandchildren, Jamie and River; his beloved dogs, Zoey, Ruthie, and Cooper; and his brothers, Thomas Nowakowski and Joseph Nowakowski and wife Eileen. He is also survived by loving in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many who considered him family.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ray and Billy, his sisters-in-law, Mary-Kay and Debi, and his brothers-in-law PJ Needham and Rodger Elwell. Michael was a graduate of West Scranton High School, Class of 1983, and was a dedicated employee of Keystone Concrete Block and Supply Company for many years. He centered his life around his family, finding his greatest joy in being a husband, father, and Papa.
A celebration of Michael’s life will be held Friday, January 9th from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home, 1240 St. Ann’s Street, Scranton, with a service at 6 p.m. Inurnment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local animal shelter or the American Red Cross.
Visitation
Please refer to above obituary for location and time.
Funeral Services
Please refer to above obituary for location and time.
Guestbook
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Eileen Nowakowski
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It’s very hard to comprehend how I am writing this because it doesn’t seem real. I am going to miss that teenager that drove his new sister in law around and helped his new found nephew with basketball. You grew into an amazing man and created a beautiful family with Ellen, whom I treasure and will forever. This loss is gut wrenching.
I love you Mike.
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erin
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ellen and family bob and i are so saddened by the loss of mike. we will cherish our many memories. please know you are all in our thoughts. condolences to you all.
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Debbie Sutton
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Ellen I am very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers 🙏
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Marie English Snipes
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Ellen, I am so sorry to hear of Mikes passing. I have so many great childhood memories of the entire Nowakowski family growing up on Acker Ave. We were always hanging out and playing on Acker Avenue kickball, hide and seek, football and other fun games. It was a great neighborhood and I cherish those memories. I haven’t seen him in many many years but will always remember the fun we had. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
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Mary Esther Ward
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So sorry for the loss to you and your family Ellen.
Prayers and love being sent.♥️
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Bob Byerly
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Jessica and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
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Joan Gallo
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So sorry for your loss.. He was a great guy and he was always at everything for the family and his grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers 🙏🏾 are with you and your family ❤️. Joan Gallo and Mike 6
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Sean Pryal
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God bless you Mike and Ellen for letting our family into your guys life and just being so welcoming and it reflects in your kids. Just so proud to always call you my friend 🧡 RIP MY FRIEND 🧡
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Marie Jones Sloto
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Ellen and family I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband and father. There are no words to sooth your pain. His shining personality and love will remain in your hearts forever.
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Brenda Baldino
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I'm very sorry to hear this and may memories of him eventually become smiles through the tears.
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Aunt Kate❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏✝️✝️✝️✝️
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I can not get over your lost Ellen to me he was one of the kids we took him every were we when when the was young and he went swinging in the pool at my house all the time I danced at your wedding O what a waste of a good man Iam here if I can do any thing for you Love ya
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Kelcey (Langan) Castaldi
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So many great memories from camping to basketball games at St. Ann's; you will be deeply missed. All my thoughts, prayers, and love to the family.
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Susan Gilbert
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Ellen I am so sorry just can’t image feel really bad for you if you need anything just call you have the best family love you
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Jeannine Burnett Matulevich
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My Dad, coached Mike at Sloan Little League. We hung out together as teenagers. Haven't seen Mike in decades, but knowing what a good soul Mike is, I feel very sorry to hear of his passing. Peace to Mike and all his family and friends.
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Deborah Dunkailo Gudaitis
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Ellen and family. Im so sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and best wishes. Mike was funny and kind, from grade school to our adult years.
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William Weinerth
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Ellen I'm so so Sorry about Mike I just got the horrific news I'm in Georgia I can t make it home Tell Tommy his brother again so so Sorry
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Dave lesnefsky
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My condolences to you and the whole family in this terrible time
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Paul ludovici
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My condolences to the family
Mike was a great man hardworking and always had a smile on his face
He will be missed by all
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Marlene and Tom Corrigan
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Mallory, Ellen , I was so sorry and so saddened to hear of your dad, husbands loss. I know we always enjoyed the times we would bump into him at the store, picking up the girls from Girl Scouts . Tom and Mike got along like they were old friends . He was so out going always stopped to say hello and how’s everything. He was a very nice guy that you couldn’t forget . He always smiled and had something to say like we knew him along time. I had the girls in Daisys to Girl Scouts and Mallory graduated with my daughter Shalon . I would always tell her that she was such a great parent playing with the kids like we use to play outside . Ellen I know you and Mike were usually together and that meant a lot , you don’t see that to much these days couples doing things together after being married along time . You both enjoyed your children as well as those little ones . I have been praying that God give you some comfort in this trying time . I really feel sadden by his loss what a good man . Love to all your family , will miss seeing him around . Just know you are in our thoughts . Marlene and Tom Corrigan
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Tina Deriggi
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Ellen , sometimes there are just no words. So sry. He was truly a gem.
Im here for u
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Roxanne Maroni
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Ellen and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Mike. Gone far too soon.
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john orr
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Good Man My son's Basketball Coach
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William Osborne
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Our deepest sympathies Bill & Laura Osborne
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Rob
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Sad to see him go. Mike was a great guy, knew him a long time. Sorry to his wife and family.
Rest in peace.
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