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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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.