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Mamary-Durkin Funeral Home, 59 Parrish Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA (2026)

06/16/2026

George “the Baker” Kempinski

George E. “The Baker” Kempinski, 75 of Hanover Twp., passed away on June 14, 2026 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was a son of the late Chester and Helen (Uczen) Kempinski. Also known to his friends as “Big George”, he was a 1969 graduate of Hanover High School where he was an outstanding athlete who excelled in wrestling and football.

George’s father founded and operated Buttonwood Bakery, Hanover Twp., and together they ran the business for 86 years, with George being the final owner/operator.

He was a member of Nebo Baptist Church, Nanticoke, Retail Bakers Association of America, and the Wyoming Valley Country Club, where he began as a caddy and later had a hole-in-one. He played on the World Poker Tour and many Black Jack tournaments and gladly donated baked goods to many local organizations.

George leaves behind his wife Sandra Kempinski, daughter Jennifer Kempinski, grandson Alexander Kempinski, who was his pride and joy, siblings Chet Kempinski and his wife Phyllis, Thomas Kempinski, Helene Yaller, and Teresa Wotherspoon and her husband Matt, Uncle George “Rx” Kempinski, Aunt Mary Kovaletski, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

George was preceded in death by his daughter Alicia, siblings Stanley and Frank, and MaryAnn Kempinski.

The family wishes to extend their heart-felt thank you to the nursing staff of Compassus Care Hospice for their excellent care of George.

The funeral will be held Friday, June 19, 2026 at 10 am at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St. Wilkes-Barre. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Friends and family may call at the funeral home from 4-7pm on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Those desiring may make donations to the George E. Kempinski Kids Summer Camp Fund at Nebo Baptist Church, 75 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke, PA 18634

06/14/2026

Sharon E. Sallitt

Sharon E. Sallitt, formerly of Wilkes-Barre Township, passed away on June 11, 2026, at Giving Tree Senior Living, Dracut, MA.

Sharon was born October 23, 1943, the only child of the late Zigmund ("Slip") and Dorothy Sallitt. She grew up in Plymouth, then resided for over 20 years in Bear Creek, followed by 20 years in Wilkes-Barre Township before finally moving to Dracut, MA to be close to her daughter.

She is already deeply missed by her daughter Lisa A. Redding and husband Timothy S. Redding of Pelham, NH, cousins Chuck and Elaine Casem (Mountaintop, PA) and Denise and Hani Hasneh (Wheaton, MD), and their children, and extended family.

Sharon was a graduate of Plymouth High School and Wyoming Seminary. She worked at the VA Hospital in Wilkes-Barre and retired in 2007. Post retirement, she was active in her community. She volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre and cultivated a community of friends. She enjoyed traveling. Sharon and her friends enjoyed cruises and trips throughout the Caribbean and Europe. She was an avid Wilkes-Barre Penguins hockey fan and season ticket holder. Sharon loved animals, especially dogs, and had many canine companions throughout her life, adopting homeless pets in need. Sharon also enjoyed birdwatching and gardening. She was an active member and volunteer in Catholic churches.

In lieu of flowers Sharon would prefer donations to be made in her memory to the SPCA of Luzerne County.

A Catholic Mass will be held at 10am on Thursday, June 18 in St. Andrew Parish, Wilkes-Barre. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Mausoleum, Wilkes-Barre. At Sharon’s request, there will be no calling hours.

Arrangements are by Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St. Wilkes-Barre.

06/14/2026

Daniel B. Jones

Daniel B. Jones, 77 of Wilkes-Barre passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on June 10, 2026.

Dan was the son of the late John and Catherine Higgins Jones. He was a graduate of E.L. Meyers High School and worked until retirement as a mailman in the Back Mountain.

Dan was well known as a Little League umpire, an avid hunter, and a family man who enjoyed vacationing with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years Marilyn (Roughsedge), sons Todd and wife Jennifer and Ryan and wife Sarah, grandchildren Cole Rigol, Ava Jones, and Addison Jones, siblings Susan Mengeringhausen, Martha Duffy, Larry Jones, Beth Samarin, and Nancy Belles, and numerous nieces and nephews. His brother Richard preceded him in death.

Friends and family may call Tuesday, June 16 from 4-6pm at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish Street Wilkes-Barre followed by a blessing service at 6pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday, June 17 at 11am in St. Anthony’s Maronite Church, Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church for the Mass.

06/05/2026

Marie Russ

Marie Russ, 93 of Forty Fort, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026.

In accordance with her wishes, her services were held privately, and she was laid to rest next to her beloved husband Harry in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Services were by Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre.

05/07/2026

Elaine (Owen) Linski

Elaine (Owen) Linski , 92, formerly of Hanover Township, PA, passed away on Monday, May 04, 2026 after a brief stay in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital.

She was born in Oklahoma City, OK and moved with her family at a young age to California. In 1951, while visiting her brother in an Army hospital in Yuma, AZ she met her soon to be husband who was also hospitalized and shared the same room as her brother. They married shortly thereafter and welcomed their first daughter. They resided in California for approx. 15 years until they decided to pack up everything they owned and make the long journey back to Ed’s home state of Pennsylvania, where they lived for the remainder of their lives. They also welcomed two additional children; a son and daughter.

Elaine was a devoted wife and mother and only returned to the workforce when her children were teenagers. After she retired, she cared for her grandchildren whom she loved and adored. She had a special bond with each one of them. She loved her garden with her roses and her beloved dog Ruby, She also had a passion for houseplants and could get anything to grow, but claimed she couldn’t. She shared this passion with her eldest granddaughter. She also loved her “candy”, and you would often see her with her lap full of “kisses”. If you were lucky, she might even share them with you. Although, if you were her son-in-law, whom she referred to as her sonny-boy, he would only have to smile and she’d gladly share. She truly adored him; his silly antics and thoughtful gifts always made her smile. Thanks to her grandson and daughter in law, whom she cherished and thought of as her own, she became hooked on WWE. She was able to see some her favorites in person many times. Everyone knew not to disturb her while she was watching her “wrestling”. Elaine also enjoyed trips to the casino, be it to Reno, NV or Atlantic City, NJ. Even when she was unable to make it to the casinos any longer she still loved her “scratch offs”. However, there was nothing Elaine loved and enjoyed more than her family. Even at her age she never stopped mothering and worrying about her children. She had an unconditional love that will stay with her family throughout their lifetimes. She always made everyone “ring it twice” when they got to where they were going so that she knew they were safe. Although she could not do the same this one last time, her family knows that she arrived safely in God’s arms, and has been reunited with those who have gone before her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Edward Linski Sr. and daughter, Susan Ciannilli. She is survived by her son, Edward Linski Jr (Jamie) of Laceyville, PA and daughter, Maryanne Shoemaker (Bart) of Blakeslee, PA., as well as her 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

A private burial will be held at the family’s convenience.

04/30/2026

Reverend Andrew R. Sinnott, Pastor Emeritus, Nativity of our Lord Parish, Duryea, died on the 27th day of April, 2026 at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore.

Reverend Andrew R. Sinnott, son of the late Andrew W. Sinnott and Margaret Rowan Sinnott, was born in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania on July 1, 1940. He was a graduate of Hanover Township High School and attended Wilkes University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in May 1971.

Before entering the seminary, Fr. Andy served in the US Army. After returning home, he was employed by First Eastern Bank for 38 years and retired from PNC Bank. After his retirement from banking, he was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of answering the Lord’s call as an ordained priest.

Father received his seminary education from Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, MA and was ordained to the priesthood in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton on June 26, 1999 by the Most Reverend James C. Timlin, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Scranton.

Father Sinnott was appointed Assistant Pastor at St. John the Evangelist and St. Mary Magdalen, churches, Honesdale in July of 1999. He was appointed Chaplain at Mercy Hospital, Wilkes Barre in July 2001. Father Sinnott was appointed Administrator and then Pastor at St. Boniface, Wilkes Barre in July of 2003. In June 2005, Father was appointed Pastor at St. Patrick’s, Wilkes Barre while continuing to serve as Pastor at St. Boniface.

In July 2009, Father was appointed Pastor at St. Aloysius, St. Casimir and Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Wilkes Barre. He was appointed Administrator at Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Duryea in July 2011 and was appointed Pastor in October 2012. In June 2015 Father Sinnott retired and was appointed Pastor Emeritus of Nativity of Our Lord Parish.

Father Sinnott also served the Diocese as a member of the Priests Advisory Board from 2005 to 2008 and as Episcopal Vicar for the Eastern Pastoral Region from July 2008 to July 2009.

He was an Honorary Life Member of The Knights of Columbus Assumpta Council 3987, Kingston, an Honorary Life Member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Kingston, Ancient Order of Hibernians - St. John Neumann Division II, and a member of Lions Club - Hanover Twp.

Father Sinnott is survived by his brother, Kevin, Hanover Twp., sisters-in-law: Cathy and Pamela, nieces: Wendy, Tina, Margaret Ann, nephews: JB, Rob, Pat, Rick, Dale, Anthony, and David, several great nieces/nephews and 2 great-great nephews.
Father was preceded in death by his brothers, Martin Sinnott, Myles Sinnott, Gary Sinnott and Joesph Sinnott.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Memory Care Center at Tiffany Court, Kingston, for their care and support to Fr. Andy and his family.

A visitation will take place at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, 143 West Division Street, Wilkes Barre, PA on May 5th, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a Vesper Service to be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. An additional period of visitation will be held on May 6th, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, 143 West Division Street, Wilkes Barre, PA on May 6th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, Institutional Advancement Office, 558 South Avenue, Weston, MA 02493.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mamary-Durkin Funeral and Cremation Services, 59 Parrish Street, Wilkes Barre, PA. To offer a condolence, visit https://mamarydurkin.com

04/18/2026

Genevieve “Jean” Mudlock

Genevieve “Jean” Mudlock, 88, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, family matriarch, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on April 16th, surrounded by her loving family. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Anna and Charles Cheresko, husband, Leonard Mudlock, and sister, Ann Berecin. Her passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew her, but her legacy of faith, service, and devotion will live on for generations.
Jean was a woman of extraordinary dedication to her family, her community, and her church. She faithfully served as Tax Collector for Jenkins Township for 24 years, earning the respect and gratitude of countless residents through her hard work, honesty, and kindness. She was also a proud member of the Jenkins Township Crime Watch, and was always committed to the safety and well-being of her community.

A passionate supporter of youth and community activities, Jean devoted many years as a girls softball and basketball coach, mentoring and encouraging young athletes both on and off the field and court. She was also deeply involved with the Purple Riders Mini Football organization, where her energy, commitment, and generosity touched many families throughout the years. In addition, she dedicated decades of service as a Scout leader, helping guide and inspire young people in her community.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Jean was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist churches in Pittston. She generously gave her time as a CCD teacher, Eucharistic Minister, and church lector, sharing her love of God through both word and action. Her church communities were strengthened by her compassion, humility, and unwavering spirit of service.

Above all else, Jean was a loving and devoted mother whose greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with those she loved and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, strength, and unconditional love.

She is survived by her loving children Joanne Argento and her husband Tony of Laurel Run, Karen Klush of Inkerman, Diane Gowran of Walnutport, Lynn Flicker and her husband Joe of Wilmington DE, Leonard Mudlock and his wife Carrey Ann of Mountaintop, as well as her sisters Rose Shukstis, Patricia Rinish, Mary Ann Rodeghiero, and Kathryn Clifford. She is also survived by her grandchildren Anthony Argento Jr. and wife Ana, Vanessa Argento, Zachary Klush and wife Colleen, Alyson Majikes and husband Paul, Dana Argento, Wyatt Flicker, Maya Flicker, Oliver Klush, Sahara Mudlock,and Eliza Mudlock, and great-grandchildren Anthony Argento III, Maeve Klush, Eleanor Majikes, Ivy Klush, and Enzo Argento, all of whom were blessed by her love and guidance.

She will be remembered for her selfless heart, tireless dedication, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness and generosity. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24th at St. John the Evangelist Church in Pittston, PA at 11am, with visitation hours at the church, directly preceding mass from 9-11am. Interment in St. John the Baptist Cemetery will be private. Arrangements are by Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services.

May she rest in eternal peace.

03/28/2026

Eugene Leo Rittel

Eugene Leo Rittel of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Born October 2, 1951 in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Rittel. His sister Alice Warman also preceded him in death.

Eugene attended GAR High School and enjoyed fishing, going to gun ranges, and fixing trains.

He is survived by his wife Regina (Jeannie), daughter Jennifer Rittel, son Gene Rittel and his wife Jane, both of Wilkes-Barre, grandchildren Gino, Alyssa, and Alex Rittel, great-grandchildren Jaxson, Jameson, Ava, Kieran, Keelin, and Keegan, brother Joseph Rittel, sister Nancy Flaherty, Marley the dog, and many nieces and nephews.

The viewing will be held from 5-7pm on Tuesday, March 31 on Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 with a blessing service 6:45pm.

03/23/2026

Christine (Tina) Kempinski

Christine (Tina) Kempinski passed away at home on Sunday, March 22, 2026. She was born to parents John and Anna (Hendricks) Steve on December 30, 1933. After graduating from Hanover High School in 1951, Tina attended Merchandising School of NYC. Upon finishing her degree, she worked in the city until returning home to work at the former Fowler, Dick, and Walker Store in Wilkes-Barre.

Tina married George J. Kempinski on August 20, 1955, and they celebrated their 70th anniversary last August.

The couple opened a pharmacy and gift shop in Plymouth in 1967, which they later relocated to south Wilkes-Barre. In this larger store, Tina brought to life her love of flowers and plants. Here, she incorporated and operated a full-sized floral and gift store while George ran the pharmacy. In 1977, they built an even larger store and once again relocated the business, where Crossroads Pharmacy, Floral and Gifts became a popular, customer-friendly operation for many years.

Tina was a member of Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church in Buttonwood.

In addition to her parents, Tina was preceded in death by her son George, Jr. and sisters Rita Andruskiewicz and Catherine Jones.

Tina is survived by her husband George, daughters Karen, Joann Ready (Greg), and son John (Mary), daughter-in-law BettyLynn Kempinski, grandchildren Alan (Charity) Ready, Stephanie Ready, Daniel, Thomas, and Stephen Kempinski, great-grandchildren William Keldie, Layla Keldie, and Charlotte Ready, and several nieces.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Commonwealth Hospice of Berwick and Circle of Life HC for their loving care of Tina.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church, Buttonwood. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church the morning of the funeral. Interment will follow in Hanover Green Cemetery.

The viewing will be from 4-6pm on Wednesday, March 25 at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St. Wilkes-Barre

03/19/2026

Donald J. Romanowski

Donald J. Romanowski of Highland Manor, formerly of Hunlock Creek, was welcomed into heaven by his wife Joan on March 19, 2026. Also welcoming Don were his parents John and Albina (Cywinski) Romanowski and sister and brother-in-law Marlyn and Willard Achuff.

Born February 25, 1938, Don was a 1955 graduate of Nanticoke High School and obtained certification in Business Administration from Wilkes-Barre Business College. Don also completed Real Estate courses at Luzerne County Community College.

Don was a proud United Stated Marine with tours of duty in the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas. After his service, Don was Vice-President/Treasurer of Labar Enterprise Inc. Along with his wife Joan, they owned and operated Romanowski Realty for many years, consisting of numerous apartment buildings in Nanticoke.

Don was a longtime member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, 2011 State Route 29, Lake Silkworth and VFW Post 283, 757 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, PA.

Surviving are his daughter Debra Martin and her husband Frank Zupancic, grandson John Martin, great-granddaughter Emma Martin, sister-in-law Sylvia Lukasiewicz and her husband Joseph, along with several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call Saturday, March 21 from 10-11:15am at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish Street Wilkes-Barre, PA. Services will be held at the funeral home at 11:15am followed by Military Honors. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.

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