Joseph J. Welgosh

Joseph J. Welgosh, 71, of Wilkes-Barre Township, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, December 11, 2021 in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

Born October 13, 1950, he was the son of the late Anthony and Martha Karczewski Welgosh. He graduated from Wilkes-Barre Township High School in 1968, served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War stationed in DaNang and Quang-Tri. He retired from the Wilkes-Barre Township police department in 2011.

Joe will forever be remembered as a gentle and patient man who lightened up even the darkest of days with his short quips, dry sense of humor, guitar in hand and song in his heart (Bee Gees).

A family man, he lived a life of quiet wisdom and inner strength. A loving husband, father, son, brother, friend- he effortlessly inspired endurance and forbearance. In a courageous and brilliant display of all things Godly, Joe taught us all meekness, humility, and dignity - without exception. He will be sadly missed by those who loved and Knew him.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, the former Cathy Porzuczek; sons, Joseph and his fiance, April Slabinski (Wilkes-Barre Township), Gregory and his significant other, Amanda Mendoza (Mountain Top), Jeffrey (Wilkes-Barre), Cody and his wife, Megan (Fairbanks, AK); brothers, Raymond (Barbara), Anthony, John (Brenda), Robert; sister, Mary Ann (Leo); Aunt, Ann Marie Benoski; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held Thursday 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, Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. The Reverend John S. Terry, Pastor, will be Celebrant. Interment with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary's Maternity Cemetery, West Wyoming. Family and friends may call Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00pm at the funeral home.

Until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand. In Our Hearts Forever.

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Claudia J. Hoffman

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • February 20, 2025

Claudia Joyce (Eike) Hoffman, 77, of McClean St. Wilkes-Barre passed away peacefully Sunday February 16th, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family She was born January 12th, 1948, daughter to Paul and Anne Eike of Wilkes-Barre, PA. Claudia graduated from E.L. Meyers High School class of 1966 and lived in Wilkes-Barre. She was married to her loving and devoted husband William Hoffman Sr. in 1970 and they spent the last of well over 50 years living by each others side raising a family and navigating life together. Simply put, Claudia loved everyone and everyone loved her. Especially her husband William Sr, 2 sons William Jr and Paul and 5 grandchildren-Tyler, Dorian, Luke, Amelia and Caleb Hoffman. Proceeding her in death were here mother and father Paul and Anne Eike, sisters Marie Hogan and Paula Lavelle. Along with her husband, sons and grandchildren she is survived by her oldest sister Annette Hinman, several cousins, nieces and nephews and close friends. As everyone knew, Claudia spoke her mind and pulled no punches, yet, was the most loving empathetic person you could know. Whether talking your ear off about her custom recipes or “pulling a Claudia” and doing something unexpected, there was no one quite like her. She will be missed immensely yet, memories of her with stay with us forever. She will be cremated by Jendrzejewski Funeral Home in Wilkes-Barre. As per the family's request there will be no funeral service but there will be a Celebration of life event planned in the near future.

Raymond J. Motyka

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • February 20, 2025

Raymond John Motyka., 68, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away February 16 2025 at Allied Services Hospice Center, Wilkes-Barre suddenly of cancer surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Wilkes-Barre on March 29th 1956, and was the son of the late John "Jimmy" Motyka and Leona Motyka. Raymond attended Myers High School, graduated from G.A.R. Memorial High School and Wilkes-Barre Vo-Tech machine shop. He worked as a machinist at R and H Manufacturing, Edwardsville for 38 years. Ray "Moe" enjoyed fixing his 1969 Buick Grand Sport and also was a member of the Bowling Green Kentucky GS Club. Where he rebuilt differentials for his fellow GS members from all around the world. Ray was also "Mr. FIX IT" of the neighborhood, always willing to offer a helping hand. He enjoyed cuddling with his furry friends Cayenne, Rico, Gemma and Sprocket just to name a few. Ray is survived by the love of his life Arlene Pambianco Motyka for the last 41 years. His two loving daughters Rebecca Hearst and husband Thomas of Nanticoke and Erica Motyka of Wilkes-Barre. Also his two grandchildren Hailey and Nathan Hockenbury of Nanticoke. In addition his brother in-law Billy Pambianco and wife Michele, sister in laws Mary Pambianco, Joann Plumer and husband Bryan, Lorraine Edwards and husband Bill and many loving nieces and nephews. We want to also remember Ray's best friends Noman, Dale, Basil, Joe, Wiggy, Gerry, Bill and Ray. He loved them all. A special thank you to the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital staff and all the angels at Wilkes-Barre Allied Hospice. As per Rays wishes, there will be no services. A memorial donation can be made to the SPCA of Luzerne County.

James R. Atherholt

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • February 20, 2025

James R. "Jimmy" Atherholt, 69, of Plains Twp., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Born on March 23, 1955, he was the son of the late Rena and William Atherholt. Jimmy grew up in the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre and carried a strong work ethic throughout his life. He spent time working on oil rigs in New Iberia, Louisiana, before returning home to work in construction for many years. For over 15 years, he was a dedicated employee of Diamond Manufacturing. A master of all trades, Jimmy excelled in carpentry, masonry, and construction, skills that he used not only in his career but also to help family and friends whenever needed. Jimmy was married to the love of his life, Deborah "Debbie" Atherholt, who preceded him in death. The couple shared 44 years of marriage, building a life filled with love and companionship. He was also preceded in death by his beloved sister, Donna Perhach. Surviving are his sister-in-law, Rebecca Ruchinski (Anthony); nieces, Alicia Dukes (David), along with their children, Arienna and Preston Dukes, all of Nanticoke; niece, Autumn Davis of Kingston (Bill); and nephew, William Kammerer of Forty Fort (Chrissy). The family will be privately celebrating Jimmy's life in the coming days and in place of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jimmy’s name to a charity of choice.