John Dimitry Telencio

John Dimitry Telencio, a proud United States Army veteran and a fiercely loyal husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on June 27, 2023. John lived life to the fullest and was perpetually ready to tell a story, share a beer, and spend time with his family and the boys.

John’s life was unique starting from his birth in Wilkes Barre on January 4, 1948. He grew up in St. Tikhon's Orthodox Monastery Orphanage in South Canaan. At the age of 18, while attending Waymart High School, he enlisted in the United States Army. He valued his 20 years of service highly and retired having attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. John served two tours of duty in Vietnam starting June 1967 - June 1968 and October 1969 - May 1972. Along with his years of active duty service, he also served in the US Army Reserve and Army National Guard. During his service, John earned the following:

The Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/ Bronze Star Device, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, PA ARNG Commendation Medal.

John was always surrounded by friends and family. His love of Elvis, hunting, fishing, and spending the weekend at the cabin with the boys is legendary. He was happiest watching the Steelers, Andy Griffith at 4:00 p.m., and living in the moment. He was a constant at the American Legion Post 815, where he served as Commander, and at Krugel's Deli where he always had an audience. John was employed at Tobyhanna Army Depot. until his retirement in 2011 and his daily carpools were filled with the same camaraderie that guided his life. From South Canaan, to Vietnam, to his home in W-B Township John was always surrounded by a band of brothers that loved him and guided his path.

John’s quiet strength and genuine love of country, family, and friends defined his character and his life. John was married to the love of his life, Helen Rakowski, for 46 years. He was blessed with two children John Dimitry and Libby Telencio, and three grandchildren Ryleigh, Joel, and June that filled his heart. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Stempien, Plains Twp., and Margaret Novack, Wilkes-Barre, and brother, Chaplain Col. Peter Telencio, South Carolina, and countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Metro Telencio and Mary Deroski; brothers Nicholas, Joseph, and Martin Telencio and sister Theresa Budzinski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope, 40 Park Ave, Wilkes-Barre. Friends may call on Sunday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 N. Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre.

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Joseph E. Brazinski

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • April 21, 2025

Joseph Edmund Brazinski, 73, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away April 19, 2025, at Third Avenue Health Care, Kingston. Born March 24, 1952, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Edmund and Josephine Starek Brazinski. Joseph was 1970 graduate of Marymount High School, Wilkes-Barre. Prior to retirement in 2011, he was employed by the Department of Environmental Protection on abandoned mine reclamation projects. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Theresa Cywinski in 2017. Surviving is his daughter, Miranda Brazinski; and nephews, Ryan and Scott Cywinski. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family by the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

Frederick Holtzman

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • April 14, 2025

Fred Holtzman, 86 of Trucksville, PA, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025, at his home under the care of Allied Services Hospice. Born November 4, 1938, in Trucksville, he was the son of the late Jacob and Helen Czapla Holtzman. Fred was a 1956 graduate of Westmoreland High School. He was employed as a sheet metal worker with the Local #44 for over 50 years. Fred enjoyed attending car shows and working in his yard. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Frances Holtzman on March 26, 2025; brothers, Ernest Holtzman and Arthur Holtzman; and sisters, Arline Climach, Ruth Murphy, Lucy Gougas, Lotty Hitchcock, and Betty Harbaugh. Surviving is his daughters, Donna Dymond of Swoyersville, and Linda Billings and her husband, Jon of Mehoopany; son, Mark Holtzman of Trucksville; grandchildren, Sarah Billings of Lehman, PA, Jamie Billings of Mehoopany, and Stacy Dymond of South Carolina; 3 great grandchildren; his sister, Naome Brunges of Palm Bay, FL; sister-in-law, Michaelene Lavin and her husband, Francis of Wilkes-Barre; and many nieces and nephews. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family by the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

Rosemary D. Wisnewski

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • April 9, 2025

Rosemary D. Wisnewski, of Swoyersville, passed away Monday, April 7, 2025, at The Meadows Nursing Center, Dallas. Born December 17, 1937, in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Mary Raub Graboske. Rosemary was a 1955 graduate of Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre. She will be remembered for her dedication and service as a Counselor at the Domestic Violence Service Center for over 40 years. A devoted Catholic, Rosemary was a member of Holy Family Parish, Luzerne. She enjoyed watching football and was an avid Philadelphia Eagle's fan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick on May 3, 2010, and her sister, Arlene Lyons. Surviving sis her daughters, Laura Luise of Kingston, Patricia Sprague and her husband, George of Shavertown, and Paula Wisnewski of Swoyersville; grandchildren, George Sprague Jr., Trisha Sprague, and Vincent Luise; and great grandchildren, Vincent Luise Jr., Cole and Sage Vernon. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 14th, at 11:00am at the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre. Private interment will be in St. John's Cemetery, Dallas. Friends may call Monday morning from 10:00am until the time of services. Rosemary's family would like to thank Dr. Patrick Kilduff and the nurse and staff at The Meadows for their care and compassion.