Joan A. Kopinski

Joan A. Kopinski, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Thursday, October 27, 2022, at her home. Born May 17, 1935, in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Mary Chrustz Drevenik.

Joan attended Wilkes-Barre Area schools and was employed at various local factories, retiring from RCA/Harris Corporation, Mountain Top, with over 20 years of service. During her retirement, she worked at Heritage House, Wilkes-Barre.

She was a member of Our Lady of Hope parish, Wilkes-Barre, and was lovingly devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, honoring her with a daily Rosary.

Joan loved to collect and share recipes. She was an avid reader and enjoyed watching football, a fan of the Pittsburg Steelers.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas J. Kopinski in 2019, after 63 years of marriage; and son, Mark M. Kopinski in 1999; brothers, Paul, Peter, John, Raymond, Andrew, and Joseph Drevenik; and sisters, Mary Drevenik and Irene Citsay.

Surviving are her son, Thomas A. Kopinski and his wife, Olivia Wester Kopinski of Glen Summit; daughter, Andrea Kopinski Scorey of Wilkes-Barre; daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Kravitz Kopinski of Dallas; grandchildren, Nadia Kopinski Dehart and her husband, Brad Dehart of Malvern, PA, Dr. Thomas O. Kopinski and his wife, Dr. Laura Byroade Kopinski of Port Matilda, PA, Oliver Kopinski and his wife, Lizelle Lobo Kopinski of Springfield, VA, and Robert E. Scorey and his wife, Nicole Maloney Scorey of Wilkes-Barre; great grandchildren, Anika, Spencer, Henry, and Vivian Dehart, Madeline, Emily, and Benjamin Kopinski, Luiza and Leo Kopinski, and Isabella Scorey; and many beloved nieces. nephews, cousins, and friends.

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 in St. Jude's Church, 420 S. Mountain Blvd, Mountain Top. The Reverend Joseph J. Evanko, Pastor, will be Celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Maternity Cemetery, West Wyoming. Friends may call Sunday evening from 5:00 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.