Erina Zluchowski

Erina Zluchowski fondly known by many as Irene, Renee, or Noni, of Wilkes-Barre Township, died peacefully at Smith Healthcare in Mountaintop, Pa on Monday, November 14, 2022. Her children gathered at her side.

She lived a life of selfless love and devotion to her family. Her Story began in the Keystone area of Plains, a baby of Eight siblings. There was never a lack of stories to tell from those days.

Renee met and married the love of her life, Michael J. Zluchowski. Their love story began as a blind date, the girl from Keystone and a boy from Blackmans Patch in Wilkes-Barre Township. They fell in love and that love survived WWII and The Korean Conflict with many many love letters sent back and forth during her Mickey's Tours of Duty. They were married on October 11,1952. Renee was very fond of the way that her and Mickey's friends joked that you could take the girl out of “Keystone” but you couldn’t take the “Keystone” out of the girl.

They raised their children in the Zluchowski family homestead on Nicholson Street. Four children, Michael, Julianne, Matthew, and Mark. Renee was a stay-at-home mom for many years happily caring for her family. Helping at the church and the children’s school as well as the Nicholson Street playground Association. She loved to cook the old Italian dishes such as gnocchi, cappelletti, Pasta, Risotto, Italian chicken soup, and bischu. Even better than that, she taught any of her children and grandchildren who were interested how to make these dishes. Including her loving daughter in law Lauren Zluchowski who fondly refers to her as “Her Queen”.

She later worked at The Woodlands Inn and Resort for many years. She enjoyed working for the Kornfeld family and sharing her “war stories” of life in the catering business.

After she retired, she took up gardening and it became clear as to just how “green” her thumb was. Her flowers were amazing and everything she planted flourished.

Irene was always full of pride for her grandchildren, April Zluchowski, Adam Zluchowski. Matthew Hopkins, Amy Zluchowski, Aaron Zluchowski, Mark Zluchowski, Patrick Zluchowski. Great grandchildren, Tyler Gulick, Zander Feist, Brooklyn Zluchowski, and Ben & Ollie Zluchowski. Irene was also blessed with more grandchildren when her son Mark married the love of his life; Michelle and her daughters Erica, Daria, and Lara joined our family.

Her last great accomplishment was building a new life after losing her Mickey. She spent the last 7 years at Smith health care, getting back on her feet, making new friends, and having a new kind of fun. The Staff and Management at Smith have always gone above and beyond in caring for Renee and making her last years also great years! The Zluchowski family cannot thank you all enough.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 9:00am from the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30am at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. The Reverend John S. Terry, Pastor, will be Celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Maternity Cemetery, West Wyoming. Friends may call Sunday evening from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the funeral home.

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Mollie Z. Pierce

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • February 11, 2025

Mollie Z. Pierce, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Monday, February 10, 2025, at the Gino J. Merli Veteran's Center, Scranton. Born November 18, 1924, in Waller County, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Hallie B. and Alice Wilson. Private funeral services will be held by the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

James A. Wasilewski

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • February 10, 2025

The world is sadder today. James Wasilewski, 73, of Plains passed unexpectedly on February 6, 2025 with his loving wife Dyann at his side. Born July 6, 1951, in Wilkes-Barre, he is the son of the late Stanley and Eva Lebioda Wasilewski. He was a graduate of Marymount High School in Wilkes-Barre. As a Kodak partner for over 30 years, he shared his expertise to help perfect products for global markets. As a successful entrepreneur, Jim was the founder and CEO of Comprehensive Microfilm and Scanning Services, Inc. Jim was a firm but kind boss and a leader who always looked out for the welfare of his employees. He was well respected in the industry. Serving his community was a hallmark of Jim's legacy. For over 30 years, he was a dedicated and involved board member of the Deutsch Institute, an organization that was near and dear to his heart, serving as Vice Chairman of the Board. In his retirement, he devoted his time to building beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace and spent time making pierogies for a local Polish church. People admired his selflessness and generosity. One of the joys of his life was traveling with his wife and son to most of the Caribbean Islands, Panama, Europe, and South America. He most recently fulfilled his dream to visit Poland and embrace his heritage. He devoted his life to his family and community and was one of the world's best storytellers and friends. He was a man of faith who cared for everyone among him. Jim was a force to be reckoned with, and quick with a smile. His infectious sense of humor and easy laugh were a joy to those who had the pleasure to know him. Jim was a creative problem solver and could fix anything. He always took a hands-on approach and continuously put others first. He is survived by his loving wife Dyann, with whom he celebrated 48 years of marriage, and their son Jason (Washington, DC), as well as cousins and countless cherished friends. In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his brothers Thomas, Henry, and Raymond. Family will receive friends and relatives from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 11 at Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 12 at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Officiants will be Fr. John S. Terry and Very Rev. Fr. Lucian Urbaniak. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory can be made to St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.

James R. Verdekal Jr.

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • January 23, 2025

James R. Verdekal Jr., 70, passed away peacefully following a long illness. James was born October 26, 1954, in Wilkes-Barre to the late James and Noreen Payne Verdekal Sr. He attended G.A.R. Memorial High School, Wilkes-Barre. James worked and learned his trade in roofing while working with his father at J.R.V. Home Improvement Company and eventually started his own business, First Quality Construction. James was an avid hunter. He also coached flag football and softball teams. His greatest love was his garden in which he took pride in. He loved western movies especially John Wayne and M.A.S.H. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Victor Verdekal; and sister, Rosaria Deangelo. Surviving is his son, James R. Verdekal III; daughter, Suzanne Noone; companion, Pam Aftewicz; and siblings, Ann Harden, Andrew Verdekal, Lucretia Sokoloski, Deandrea Verdekal, Vincent Verdekal, and Freddy Verdekal. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10:00am at the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre. The Reverend Vincent Dang will be Celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. Friends may call Monday evening from 5:00 to 8:00pm.