Robert Wren

Robert Wren, 79, of Dallas, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2022, at home surrounded by his family.

Born in Wilkes-Barre on January 6, 1943, He was the son of the late Harold and Agnes Mason Wren.

Robert worked at Geisinger Hospital for 20 years, managed Fisca Oil for 19 years, and retired from Marion Terrace. To keep busy after retirement, he bartended at Stan's Cafe.

Robert coached at the Heights Little League for over 20 years; Heights Teeners Baseball for many years; and Heights Packers Mini Football. He was a member of the G.A.R. Footballl Booster Club and worked with the football team for many years and coached girls softball.

Robert loved being with his family, especially his grandchildren, watching and coaching them in sports.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Kevin in 1972, and brother, David.

He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Dianne (Poepperling) Wren; five children, Robert and his wife, Donna of Dallas, Keith of Plains, Yvette of Wyoming, Scott of Wilkes-Barre, and Lance and his wife, Jessica of Dallas; 12 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brothers, Harold and his wife, Ann of Wisconsin, Ronald and his wife, Donna of South Dakota; sisters, Annette of Arizona, Beth Ann of North Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 6:00pm at Cross Creek Community Church, 370 Carverton Road, Trucksville, PA 18708. Family and friends may call Thursday from 4:00pm until time of services.

Donna Petroski, nee Remphrey, (69) peacefully passed into eternal life on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at her home surrounded by loved ones following short battle with cancer.

Born in Wilkes-Barre to Walter Remphrey and Elanor Garrison Remphrey. Donna graduated from Bloomsburg University with a degree in elementary education and went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Education from Wilkes University. She taught elementary school in the Wyoming Valley West district for 37 years during which she touched thousands of young lives. She took great pride in her work and was fondly remembered and recognized by countless former students.

She met her husband William, at age 13 while roller skating and embarked on a love affair that lasted 56 years ending only upon his death this past May. Together they raised three children, daughter Amy Solt and sons William and Michael Petroski. Donna was incredibly devoted to her family and always put their needs before her own. Everyone knew they could count on her for anything no matter the time of day or night. Donna was quite talented and enjoyed decorating and making crafts. She shared her passion for music with her son Michael and loved going with her daughter Amy to play bingo. Donna traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean while on cruises with her family. Her other interests included hosting family holidays, barbeques and get togethers as well as regular luncheons with her former co-workers and friend Geri.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her mother, Elanor, her sister, Sandra Heuer and an infant sister. She is survived by her 3 children, her father, Walter, her sister Joanne, her granddaughter, Kayla and several in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. Donna will be laid to rest following a Mass of Christian burial to be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at 10:15 a.m. in St. Ignatius Church, Kingston. Arrangement are being handled by Jendrzejewski Funeral Home and there will be no calling hours.

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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.