Roscoe “Monte” Kishbach, age 96 of Berwick, peacefully transitioned from this life on December 8, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Berwick on November 11, 1929, he was the last living child born to the late Roscoe M. and Grace M. (Hampton) Kishbach Sr. He was a graduate of Nescopeck High School, class of 1948. He was a driven athlete, participating in soccer, basketball, and baseball. After graduation, he continued to play baseball and excelled to the point that he was invited to play professionally. Instead, he chose to stay home to help with the family business, which was a distributor for Sunshine Beer.
During his time driving the delivery truck for the beer distributor, Monte served in the National Guard and was called to active duty for a short time. He later drove trucks for Wise Potato Chips. He was an excellent driver, earning his badge for over 2,000,000-miles of accident-free driving. After retirement, he bartended at Ranger Hose Company for over 20 years.
Monte was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Berwick, where he served as communion assistant, assisting minister, usher, and on the property committee. He was also a member of Ranger Hose Company, a Life Member of Nescopeck Volunteer Fire Co., No. 1, Elks Lodge 1138, and a former member of Knapp Lodge No. 462 and Caldwell Consistory, Valley of Bloomsburg. He was an avid golfer and played in the Senior and Wise Golf Leagues at Rolling Pines. For many years, he was a coach for both little league and teener league baseball. Monte followed Penn State sports and also the Dodgers and Phillies.
Lovingly referred to as Roscoe by his close friends, he was a warm and benevolent soul. He approached life with resilience, a quick-witted sense of humor, and an unforgettable smile.
His true legacy lies in his unwavering love, generosity, and kindness to his beloved wife Bettyanne (Schabener) Kishbach, with whom he celebrated 63 years of marriage in October. He also leaves behind his children, Timothy Kishbach and wife Karen, State College; Jodi Walp, Berwick; grandson, Alex Walp, State College; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Donald Walp; brother, Walter H Kishbach; and sisters, Miriam “Betty” Cain and Louise McGarigle.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on December 15, 2025, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1600 Fowler Ave, Berwick. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Monte’s memory can be made to the Community Giving Foundation, memo: Kishbach and Walp Fund, and mailed to Community Giving Foundation, 725 West Front Street, Berwick PA 18603. Online donations can be made at csgiving.org/donate – search “Kishbach” or to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1600 Fowler Ave. Berwick.
Online messages of comfort for his family may be sent to condolences@HellerFuneralHomeLLC.com