John Dimitry Telencio

  • John Dimitry Telencio

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.

Michael J. Castrignano

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • June 8, 2025
Michael J. Castrignano, 90, of Berlin, MD, was called home to the Lord on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at home under the care of Coastal Hospice at the Lake. Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Dominick Castrignano and Marie (Lauzano) Castrignano. He graduated from St. Mary's High School, Wilkes-Barre. Michael's working history was diversified in multiple phases of the garment industry. His introduction was in garment manufacturing. He later managed the corporation, Basic Sportswear, controlling ordering, shipping, and distribution to national department stores. He was also owner and operator of retail sales outlets. He was an avid music lover and enjoyed his younger years playing saxophone with his band, "Casty and his Rythmaires". He spent the remainder of his retirement in Ocean City, MD. Michael was a member of Holy Savior Church in Ocean City, MD. He loved spending time with family and friends along with time at the beach. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ann (Purcell) Castrignano, who passed away in 1981. Michael was blessed and was remarried to Rita (Koval) Castrignano for 32 years, preceding him in death in 2019, and also preceded by a stepson, Thomas Koval; a brother, Frank Castrignano; and stepgrandson, CJ Evans. Surviving is his two sons, Michael Castrignano Jr. of Ocean City, MD, and Dominic Castrignano and his wife, Gloria of New Port Richey, FL; He was a loving stepfather to Stepdaughter, Julieanne Evans and her husband, Chris of Plains Township. He was a loving grandfather of Michael Castrignano, Giovanna Castrignano, and Dominic Castrignano and four great grandchildren; Step grandchildren, Angela Petix, and Thomas and Tyler Koval; and brother, Dr. Dominic E. Castrignano. Funeral services will be held Friday at 9:30am from the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Nicholas St. Mary's Parish Church, 226 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre. The Reverend Joseph Verespy, Pastor, will be Celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. Family and friends may call Thursday evening from 5:00 to 8:00pm at the funeral home.

Ronald J. Royek

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • June 4, 2025
Ronald Royek of Wilkes-Barre Township, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. Born November 24, 1938, Ron "The Barber" was the son of the late John and Mary Bartlomowicz Royek. He was the devoted husband of Patricia Conwell Royek. The couple would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this October. Ron graduated from Wilkes-Barre Township High School in 1956 and the barber school in Wilkes-Barre in 1966. From December 1961 to November 1967, he served in the United States Army and United States Army Reserves. He owned and operated his barber shop on Scott Street in the East End Section of Wilkes-Barre for 45 years. Ron was a life-long member of St. Mary's Church of the Maternity, now Our Lady of Hope Parish, and was active for many years as a Eucharistic Minister. He participated in various church functions such as the Liturgical Committee, the Holy Name Society, and Chairman of the Bazaar. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his son, Christian, and his brother-in-law, Ronald Rydzfski. He is survived by his wife, Pat; sisters, Eloise Rydzfski and Sharon Flynn; brothers-in-law, Robert Flynn and Robert Conwell; nephews, Ronald Rydzfski, Rodney Rydzfski, and Sean Flynn; and special family friend, Seri Mountz. The funeral will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00am from the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30am at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. The Reverend John S. Terry, Pastor, will be Celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Maternity Cemetery, West Wyoming. Friends may call Friday from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the funeral home. Ron's family would like to thank the entire staff at the PCU and ICU units of Geisinger Wyoming Valley for the outstanding care he received.

Florence C. Williams

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • May 20, 2025
Florence C. Williams, formerly of Seminary Road, Hanover Township, and Highland Manor, Wilkes-Barre, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, May 16, 2025. Born in Wilkes-Barre to the late John and Bertha Deptula Waltos, Florence was raised in the Mayflower section and graduated from Marymount High School in 1946. She went on to work as Legal Administrative Assistant to Judge Paul Sielecki, Judge Edward Lopato, and Judge Patrick Toole, with whom she worked for over 30 years until her retirement in 2001. After her retirement, she became an active volunteer at many organizations such as the Mercy Hospital Gift Shop, The Fine Arts Fiesta, The Wyoming Valley Duck Derby, and she was an usher at the Kirby Center. She received many honors, and pins, for her commitment in her years of service. Florence loved to keep active and exercise. For many years she enjoyed the pool at the YMCA, and water aerobics at John Heinz. She and her husband, Lenny, were also avid Polka Dancers and made cherished memories at local Polka events with friends, and the Annual Polka Weekend in Wildwood, NJ. They also loved to travel and went on many exciting trips through Europe, Poland, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii, to name a few. Florence made friends wherever she went and maintained those friendships for many years. Known for her warm, loving, generous and kind spirit, she brought joy to all who knew her. Her deep Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. A lifelong member of our Our Lady of Hope (formerly St. Mary’s of the Maternity Church), in Wilkes-Barre. She was a Eucharistic Minister, and brought the Holy Eucharist to the sick in hospitals and nursing homes. She also enjoyed volunteering at the church fundraising dinners, past bazaars, and was part of the pierogi making team, and the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary Society. Holidays were very special to Florence. Spending time together with family meant everything to her. She was the heart of our family, our holidays, and we will treasure all of our special memories of her. She was a wonderful baker and cook, and her special dishes like her potato salad, apple, blueberry and rhubarb pies, family recipe filled cookies, Thanksgiving stuffing, and other treats, were a cherished part of family gatherings. We all loved her so much, and her favorite saying will forever echo in our hearts: ”I love you more.” In addition to her parents, John and Bertha Waltos, Florence was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Leonard Williams (1993); and her brother, John Waltos (2018). Left to cherish Florence’s memory are her sisters, Regina Buczynski, Wilkes-Barre, and Mary Ann Dougherty, Laflin; nephews, Joseph Buczynski and wife, Marlene, Maryland, and Jim Dougherty, Florida; niece, Kathy Dougherty, Florida; and grand-nephew, Christopher Buczynski, Maryland; along with several cousins, and many dear friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Our Lady of Hope Church, 40 Park Ave, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, with Reverend John S. Terry, Pastor, officiating. All are invited to attend. Family and Friends may call prior to the mass from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Entombment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery Mausoleum, Hanover Township.