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.

Amanda Lynn Longfoot

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • July 18, 2025
Sunrise July 18, 1990 – Sunset July 16, 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Amanda Lynn Longfoot, who left this world unexpectedly at home on July 16, 2025, just two days before her 35th birthday. Born on July 18, 1990, Amanda was a graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School. She was strong, wild, and carried a fierce will to change—for herself and for those around her. Amanda was never afraid to fight for a better life, even in the face of adversity. Her fire was undeniable, her spirit unbreakable. Amanda was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Marcia Zamber, whose love and memory remained close to her heart always and her grandmother, Debra Longfoot. She is survived by her loving father, Keith Longfoot and his wife Lori Longfoot. She also leaves behind her brother Scott Zamber, her grandparents, Jean and Rick Neely, and Paul Longfoot along with his partner, Melissa Wishneski; step brothers, Kyle and Christopher Rushton. Amanda’s love extended to many—a wide circle of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who became family. Each one carries a piece of her fierce love, her bold energy, and her deep desire for better relationships. Amanda’s legacy is one of strength, struggle, and resilience. She lived life on her terms, and her story is one of both pain and purpose. Her journey touched more lives than she probably ever realized. A celebration of Amanda’s life will be held Sunday July 20th, 2025 from 3-5pm at the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre. In lieu of flowers, the family is kindly accepting donations to help with funeral and memorial expenses which can be provided directly to the funeral home. Until then, may we honor her memory by loving harder, forgiving more freely, and never giving up on ourselves or each other. Rest easy, Amanda. You were deeply loved. You mattered. And you will never be forgotten.

Stanley B. Szafran

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • July 14, 2025
Stanley B. Szafran of Nanticoke, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at his home. Born May 10, 1970, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of Romaine Malishchak Szafran of Nanticoke, PA. Stanley was a 1988 graduate of Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, and was employed as a yard jockey at the Adidas Distribution Center, Wilkes-Barre. Stan was a kind-hearted soul and never met anyone he didn't like. He loved music and being outside in the sunshine, so he especially enjoyed cutting the grass with his earbuds in. He enjoyed watching sports, his teams in which he was a die-hard fan were the Florida State Seminoles, Boston Red Sox, New York Giants, and Atlanta Falcons. Stanley was preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents, Roman and Stella Panek Malishchak. Surviving in addition to his mother, Romaine, is his children, Christian, Lauren, and Alec Szafran, and their mother, Kathleen Szafran; sister, Renee Barrett and her husband, Stephen of Opal, VA; nephew and niece, Mason and Skylar Barrett; and companion, Debra Chesney of Nanticoke, PA. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 8:00pm at the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, Deacon William Behm will be officiating. Friends may call Wednesday evening from 5:00pm until time of services.

Carolanne Jones

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • July 9, 2025
Carolanne Jones of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Allied Services-Meade Street Nursing, Wilkes-Barre. Born June 10, 1941, in Larksville, she was the daughter of the late William and Helen Shebli Wallace. Carolanne was a 1959 graduate of Larksville High School. She worked throughout the valley at various stores including, Vic Mars Restaurant, Marshalls, Hills Department Store, and Wegman's Supermarket. Carolanne was a member of St. Nicholas Parish, Wilkes-Barre. She enjoyed listening to opera music, making ceramics, and gardening. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth in 2022 and son, Kenneth in 1963. Surviving is her son, William Jones of Wilkes-Barre; daughter, Carolanne Leco and her husband, Daniel of WIlkes-Barre; and brother, William Wallace and his wife, Helen of Hunlock Creek, PA. Funeral services will be held Friday evening at 7:00pm at the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre. Friends may call Friday evening from 5:00pm until time of services.