Obituaries

Frances A. Holtzman, of Trucksville, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre. Born August 3, 1939, in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Anna Sweeney Ross. Frances was born and raised in the Heights Section of Wilkes-Barre and attended G.A.R. Memorial High School. She was employed in the area shoe industry for a short time and spent the rest of her time as a homemaker. Frances loved cooking, attending to her flower garden, dancing, and quilting. She was a member of St. Theresa's Parish, Shavertown. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Joanne Litwak. Surviving is her husband of 67 years, Frederick Holtzman; daughters, Donna Dymond of Swoyersville, and Linda Billings and her husband, Jon of Mehoopany; son, Mark Holtzman of Trucksville; grandchildren, Sarah White of Lehman, PA, Jamie Billings of Mehoopany, and Stacy Dymond of South Carolina; 3 great grandchildren, sister, Michaelene Lavin and her husband, Francis of Wilkes-Barre; and several nieces and nephews. Private funeral services will be held by the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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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 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. "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.

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.

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., 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.

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Stella M. Fiorucci of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Highland Park Senior Living, Wilkes-Barre Township. Born October 22, 1925, in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Collies Coveleskie. Stella was a 1943 graduate of Wilkes-Barre Township High School and was employed for many years as a seamstress at Rosmar Manufacturing, Wilkes-Barre. She and her late husband, who were married 70 years, were active members of the former Holy Trinity Church, Wilkes-Barre, and its Christian Society. They were also active with the Teamsters Union Local #401 and the Rainbow Citizens Club. She loved traveling extensively around the country with her husband by car or bus. Stella loved shopping, butterflies, gardening, and her little cockapoo dog, Margo, whom she enjoyed for 17 years. She especially enjoyed her 99th birthday party celebrated at Highland Park. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome on December 15, 2013; brothers, Carl, Ronnie, Richard, Walter, and Joseph Coleleskie; sisters, Geraldine Johns, Florence Coyle, Marie Henderson, and Kathleen Onacko. Surviving is her sons, Dennis Jerome Fiorucci and his wife, Mary Lou of Boerne, TX, and Donald L. Fiorucci and his wife, Joyce C. of Wilkes-Barre; grandchildren, Dennis J. Fiorucci and his wife, Cheri of Surprise, AZ, Tracy Smith of Wilkes-Barre, Heather Joy and David Burke of Duryea, PA, Ashley D. Fiorucci and Evan W. Wosocklo of Harrisburg, PA, and Allison and Carlos Gomez of Elmira, NJ; great grandchildren, William E. and Amanda Smith of Wilkes-Barre, and Stephan and Dane Fiorucci of Lynden, WA. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11:00am at the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre. Friends may call Tuesday morning from 10:30 am until time of services. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township.

Ronald David Pilch 66, born April 15,1958 in Wilkes Barre, PA, died at WB General Hospital on Dec 20,2024 after courageously battling health issues for many years. He was the eldest son of the late Peter Pilch and Marie Stavish Pilch. Ron graduated from GAR H.S. and went on to work for Revlon Inc. in NY, AZ, and NC. Following retirement and returning to the area to be near family, Ron, Penni and their children lived in South Auburn, PA. Ron loved his family above all else, especially his grandchildren who he cherished. Ron was an avid AZ Cardinals and Phoenix Suns fan. He loved hunting, fishing and being outdoors in the beauty of nature. Ron was predeceased by his father Pete Pilch and his wife Penni Norton Pilch. He will be deeply missed by his mother Marie Stavish Pilch, son Zane Pilch (Jessica Anderson) and daughter Kimberly Pilch. Brothers; Thomas (Michelle) Pilch and Gary Pilch. Grandchildren: Alex Pilch, Lillianna Pilch, Ethan Jones and Ember Jones. Father-in-law; Philip Norton, Sister-in-law; Jennifer Norton, Brother-in-law; Alan Norton and numerous nieces and nephews, especially Michael Pilch with whom he had a special bond. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM, Thursday Dec 26, 2024 at Our Lady of Hope Church, 40 Park Ave, Wilkes Barre, PA. Friends may pay respects at the church from 9:00am until time of Mass. The family would like to thank the ICU staff at WB General Hospital and all those who cared for Ron over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice.

Walter F. Letanski Jr., 72, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on December 11, 2024 surrounded by his family after a brief illness. Walter was the owner of a longstanding local business, Walter's Hardware, which proudly served the area's DIYers and hobbyists for more than 70 years. He was an avid R/C plane enthusiast, problem solver, and friend to many. He was a 1970 graduate of Marymount High School. He graduated from Penn State Wilkes-Barre in 1972 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Walter is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen; his daughter Lauren and husband Matthew Evans, of Pittsburgh, PA; his son Walter III and wife Amanda Letanski of Wilkes-Barre; and a niece, Summer, and nephew, Rick. He was a proud and devoted Pop-Pop to four grandchildren - Elizabeth, Olivia, James and Jacob. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Helen Letanski, and sisters Patricia Atkinson and Christine Letanski. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 9:30am from the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. The Reverend John S. Terry, Pastor, will be Celebrant. Interment will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Bear Creek. Friends may call Friday evening at the funeral home from 4:00 to 8:00pm.

Mary Ann Elick of Wilkes-Barre Township passed away Monday, December 2, 2024, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. Born January 16, 1951, in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Frances Orleski Czock. Mary was a 1969 graduate of Wilkes-Barre Township High School. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Theresa Vilegi and Dorothy O'Donnell; and brother, Edward Czock Jr. Surviving is her husband of 54 years, Gerald W. Elick; daughter, Michelle Sheldon of Wilkes-Barre Township; grandchildren, Michael J. Sheldon and Elizabeth A. Sheldon; brothers, Peter, Stanley, and Robert Czock; and sisters, Patricia Landi, Frances Lanning, Darlene Pantle, Dolores Sedeski, and Bernadine Hurst. Private funeral services were held by the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

Jake R. Zdanowicz

Marie E. Bozentka

John L. Etter Sr.

William Honeywell Jr.

Ada Scorey

Barbara James

Theresa "Tesi" Klepadlo

Shelley R. Longfoot

John J. Nalepa Jr.

Raymond J. Golightly

Robert J. Falchek III

Evelyn Ann Taylor

Diana Rose Borum

Michael J. Kelly

Leonard F. Witczak

Evelyn R. Antonishak

Vincenzo E. Aleo

Patricia L. Pisano

Marie A. Remphrey

Patricia L. Misson

Gertrude M. Woods

Linda Lee Ann Zdipko

David Bartnick

Andrew J. Martin, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022, at Riverstreet Manor, Wilkes-Barre.Born September 3, 1940, in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son of the late Andrew and Anna Martin. Andrew was employed for over 30 years at Medico Industries,, Plains Township. He was an avid bowler, participating in many leagues throughout the valley. Andrew was a devout Catholic, attending and volunteering at St. Andrew Parish, Wilkes-Barre.

Michael P. Soloski, of Tunkhannock, passed away Monday, April 15, 2024, at Allied Services-Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre. Born May 22, 1952, in Gettysburg, PA, he was the son of the late Frank and Theresa Szymanski Soloski. Michael was a 1970 graduate of Kittanning High School, and received his Bachelor Degree in Accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Lawrence T. Miscavage, of Wilkes-Barre Township, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2024, at The Gardens of Wyoming Valley Nursing, Wilkes-Barre. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family by the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

Thomas L. Woods passed away Friday, March 29, 2024, at the age of 89. Thomas was a lifelong resident of Wilkes-Barre, and member of St. Andrew's Parish. He was employed before retiring as a welder with Air Products Corporation. He is survived by his wife, Gertrude and was preceded in death by two sons, Thomas and John. Thomas was a kind and generous individual, loved by friends and family and will be sorely missed. Committal services will be held for immediate family on Friday at 12:00pm in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township.

Marie "Cioci" Quadrini, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Allied Services-Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre. Born August 19, 1932, in Wilkes-Barre, she was a daughter of the late Nicholas and Mary Kuchta Potishnak.

Mary Ellen Hall, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Sunday, July 10, 2022, at her home.Born April 12, 1948, in Wilkes-Barre, she was a 1966 graduate of Ashley High School.

Ralph Joseph Jachimiak, better known as “Poppy”, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

Janiece Marie Bunsick DeMuro, 80, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Sunday, June 24, 2023, at Riverstreet Manor. Born in Philadelphia on April 28, 1943, she was the daughter of the late John Michael and Mary Ann Page Bunsick.

Anita M Pollick, aged 59, passed away on June 23, 2023, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was born on February 18, 1964. Her passing has left a deep void in the hearts of her loved ones.

Patricia Toluba, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Monday, June 19, 2023, at her home. Born January 3, 1941, in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Jean Olszewski.