09/03/2026
Our deepest condolences are with the Yencha family as it was our privilege to have been able to provide comfort care for this proud Veteran, in his time of need. Our Hospice team is humbled by the kind words and hospice memorial gift designation request in Edward’s obituary.
🙏🏻🇺🇸It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of a well-known and respected former member of the local banking community; a devoted husband, father and friend to many. Mr. Edward P. Yencha, 86, passed peacefully Monday, the morning of Aug. 31, while in the care of Allied Services Hospice Center, Wilkes-Barre. He had been stricken ill just a week prior in his residence.
Born Saturday, June 8, 1940, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the last remaining of four sons to the late John A. and Mary (Stanko) Yencha. Educated in the city schools, he was a 1958 graduate of the former James M. Coughlin High School. After graduating from high school, Edward enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving with the Detachment A Wyoming, Pa., Marine Wing Support Squadron-472 (MWSS-472) Reserves, prior to being honorably discharged from military duties.
Mr. Yencha later went on to further his education in his profession by attaining a bachelor's degree in finance from King's College and later his Master of Business Administration from the University of Scranton. Mr. Yencha began his career with the Miners Savings Bank and First Eastern Bank, both of Pittston before taking employment with PNC Bank of Wilkes-Barre. It was here he spent the majority of his professional life; being elevated to vice president of business banking at the time of his retirement.
Following his formal retirement, Mr. Yencha did not sit idly by. He then worked in finance for Landmark Community Bank of Wyoming for several years. Devoted to his Roman Catholic faith, he held membership in Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Plains Township, where he served as a lector for Masses. Fraternally, Edward was a Third Degree Honorary Life member of the Knights of Columbus, Wilkes-Barre Council #302 and a Fourth Degree Honorary Life member of the Bishop William J. Hafey Assembly #925 Knights of Columbus, Wilkes-Barre. For many years he also served as treasurer of the Coughlin Football Booster Club.
He was previously active with the Plymouth Rotary Club, where he earned the distinction of being a Paul Harris Fellow. In his spare time and being a lover of the outdoors, Mr. Yencha was an avid hunter and fisherman. Above all else, he is best remembered as being a loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather to his adoring family. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Mr. Yencha was preceded in death by brothers, John Yencha, Thomas Jensen and Myron Yencha; a daughter, Miss Nancy Lyn Yencha on March 15, 2001, and most recently by his beloved wife, Mrs. Bernice J. (Brown) Yencha, on Feb. 24, 2026. At the time of Mrs. Yencha's passing, the couple realized and celebrated 60 years of married life together.
Left to hold dear all the memories they now keep of their parents are his children, Edward P. Yencha II of Cartersville, Ga.; Dr. Erika M. Yencha and her husband, George Kerper III, of Macungie; Tara M. Yurko and her husband, Phillip, of Schwenksville; Jessikah A. Galica and her husband, Jeffrey, of Nazareth; and Matthew J. Yencha and his wife, Sarah, of Coplay; eleven cherished grandchildren, including Matthew, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Annabella, Cassidy, Lukas, Audrey, Gideon, Emilia, Olivia and Henry; several nieces, nephews, former colleagues, and dear friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Yencha will be conducted on Tuesday, Sept. 8, with his funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, 13 Hudson Road, Plains Township. Those attending are asked to assemble directly at church by 9:15 Tuesday morning. The Rev. Father Robert J. Simon, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist. Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow next to his wife and daughter in Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Cemetery, Dorchester Drive, Dallas. Relatives and friends may join the Yencha family for visitation and shared remembrances from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, at John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre.
In lieu of floral tributes, the family would be humbled if those wishing to make a monetary donation in their father's memory, kindly give consideration to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box #1999, Memphis, TN 38101, online at www.stjude.org or to the Allied Services Hospice Center, 200 S. Meade S., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Friends wishing to share words of sympathy or a cherished memory you have of Edward with the family are encouraged to do so by visiting his memorial page at www.JohnVMorrisFuneralHome.com. Thank You.