Annetta K. DeYoung

Annetta (Netta) DeYoung, wife of John DeYoung, Honesdale, Pa passed away quietly on August 8, 2015 at The Wayne County Memorial Hospital. Born March 23, 1942 in Reading PA, she was the daughter of the late Margaret Koller.

In 1972, Netta and her husband relocated from southeastern Pennsylvania to Dyberry Twp. where they operated the Brookside Store for several years. In 1976 she became the first Director of the Wayne County Tax Claim Bureau. Beginning with paper, pencil and the new Tax Claim Law, she accepted the daunting challenge of organizing and directing one of the largest tax sales in the state in 1977.

She later became the Executive Director of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, a position she held until her retirement. During her tenure the Chamber experienced phenomenal growth, expanding the Stourbridge Excursion train rides and bringing thousands of visitors to Honesdale. She also envisioned a plan and initiated the fundraising that resulted in the construction of the Chamber of Commerce Building and Visitors Center.

A member of St. John the Evangelist Parish, she was active in Democratic politics and also served on many local boards and committees often participating in events statewide and always working to promote the businesses, opportunities and beauty of Wayne County.

Her love of the area and her career was superseded by her devotion to family. While raising her three children, she added her brother, as well as a niece and nephew to the family creating a happy home life for all and proving her motto that love doesn’t divide; it multiplies. Her good humor and laugh, along with her energy, passion and vision were attributes that embodied her spirit.

She leaves behind a community of friends, but most importantly her family, which were her treasures. She is survived by her husband John; daughter Jacqueline Young and Harold Davis, Jr. and sons Jeffrey and wife Nancy DeYoung, White Mills and John and wife Laura DeYoung, Hawley; as well as her brother Michael and wife Tammy Schmoyer, niece Tracey DeYoung and nephew, Bruce DeYoung.

Additional family members include eight grandchildren Kristin (Valentino) Giordano, Steven Young (Melissa Smyth). Cassandra (Chris) Lyons, Brittany DeYoung (Philip Leopardi), Randi DeYoung (Elbin Otero), Cassandra DeYoung (Julianne Shannon), Eric (Jennifer) DeYoung, and Joel DeYoung (Arielle Roldan); along with ten great-grandchildren, Luca Giordano, Emma Leopardi, Owen and Liam Lyons, Teresa Otero, Heavon, Dakota, Peyton, Zane, and Josephine DeYoung. Brothers, Michael Schmoyer, William Koller, and Wilmer Weiss; sisters, Michele Howard and Elaine Koller.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, August 15, with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 416 Church St, Honesdale at 10:00 AM. Family and friends may visit the Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main Street, Honesdale on Friday, August 14, from 4:00-7:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau c/o Honesdale Area Jaycees, 200 Delaware Street, Honesdale, PA 18431.