Raymond J. Motyka

     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.

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.