Matthew Karl Shoener

Matthew Karl Shoener, 49, of Moosic, passed away at home after a valiant battle against cancer. He and his wife, Virginia “Jenny” Yurchak Shoener were married for seventeen years.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of Bernice E. Darmofal Shoener of Scranton and the late Thomas E. Shoener. He was a 1994 graduate of Scranton High School. Matt earned a bachelor’s degree in Comprehensive Social Science/Sociology from Marywood University and obtained a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from Walden University. Just before his diagnosis, Matt returned to Marywood, taking courses in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to pursue state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). He was a member of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society for counseling students, educators, and professionals.

Matt’s extensive education led to an impactful career. Full of grace, empathy, and a genuine desire to help, he counseled offenders in need of behavioral rehabilitation at the Luzerne County GEO Reentry Services Day Reporting Center as the Lead Substance Use Disorder Counselor. He set a standard, not only within GEO, but nationally. As a Certified Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor, a Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention and Substance Abuse curriculum trainer, Matt was recognized as a member of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium where he contributed to its Job Task Analysis for counselors worldwide. He was the recipient of the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) Professional of the Year Award and later joined PCB as a board member. Matt interned under Thomas F. Dougherty Jr., which led to being an Associate Clinician with Dougherty and Associates. While there, he facilitated both individual and group sessions and wrote forensic evaluations on clients who were on state probation or parole.

Matt loved his family and was a spiritual man of great faith. A humble life-long learner and an inspiring selfless teacher. Valued and loved by all communities he was a part of, Matt never hesitated to take the time to offer an ear, a shoulder, a word of kindness, quick-witted one-liners, or a fantastic story. He would rarely be seen without a book, jotting notes in the margins, or listening to a podcast. He was always ready to learn more. Matt was a passionate fan of the NFL, loyal to the Indianapolis Colts, and was a true fantasy football genius. He was also a member of the Pennsylvania Freemasons-Union Lodge No. 291, F. & A. M.

Matt began his battle with cancer in August 2024, but his faith did not waver. Where some may have turned bitter and angry, he enjoyed the moments he knew would be fleeting. Matt spent his last months with his friends and family visiting and laughing, and resting with his dogs Sevro and Fiona. His final days were spent in the best way possible - with his beloved Jenny. Their lifelong love is something that reaches far beyond the confines of time and space.

Also surviving are his mother, Bernice, two sisters Donna Voldenberg and husband Frank, Scranton; Lisa Malia, Scranton; brother Thomas J. Shoener, Esq., Philadelphia; father-in-law George Yurchak III, Scranton; brother-in-law George Yurchak IV and wife Krystle, Dalton; uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and best friend Thomas J. Smith, and fiancé Sue Urian, Waymart.

Matt was preceded in death by his father Thomas E. Shoener, mother-in-law Chris A. Yurchak, maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents. His best fur-buddy, Sev, who lost a battle with cancer in early March, was definitely waiting for Matt; both are now free and healthy.

Jenny would like to thank their family, friends, and the community who have helped during this time. She thanks Dr. Saidman and the staff at Medical Oncology Associates for their compassionate care, Fox Chase Cancer Center, and Hospice of the Sacred Heart.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 8 from 2 - 5:45 p.m. in the Corey Brian Strauch Funeral Home, 602 Birch Street Scranton, PA 18505, followed by a memorial service by Deacon Edward Shoener.

There will be a private burial.