https://www.facebook.com/103167367995382/

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

09/02/2026

Fay Marie McTague

Fay Marie McTague, 66, of Nanticoke, passed away peacefully on August 30, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Nanticoke, Fay was the daughter of the late Walter and Shirley Karcheski. She attended Nanticoke schools and spent much of her life working in area factories.

Fay was a woman who found happiness in the simple things in life. She enjoyed shopping, listening to music, spending time with her family, and, of course, a good Steelers game. More than anything, Fay cherished being surrounded by the people she loved. Her family was the center of her life, and the memories they created together will forever be treasured by those who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, Fay was preceded in death by her sisters, Beverly Tensa, Cheryl Ann Karcheski, Donna Snyder; and her granddaughter, Dara Hodle.

Fay leaves behind her four children: her son, Vincent McTague and his wife, Marie; and her daughters, Jennifer Hodle and her husband, Joshua; Melissa McTague and her fiancé, Scott; and Diane McTague.

She is also survived by eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart and brought tremendous joy to her life and sister Karen Shoemaker.

Fay also leaves behind many dear friends, nieces, nephews, and extended family members whose lives were touched by her and who will remember her with love.

Though her passing leaves an emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her, Fay’s life will be remembered not simply by the years she lived, but by the family she cherished, the friendships she made, the laughter and love she shared, and the countless memories that will live on through those she leaves behind.

Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love she gave and the memories she created will remain with her family always.

May she rest in peace, surrounded by the same love she gave so freely throughout her life.

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

09/02/2026

Lillian Bonomo

Lillian Achey Bonomo of Wilkes-Barre peacefully entered eternal rest on Sunday, August 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Wilkes-Barre on January 8, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Emily Moses and John Achey and a proud graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School, Class of 1959.

Lillian married Steven A. Bonomo Sr. of Wilkes-Barre, and together they raised their three children, Steven, Michael, and Rachael. She worked at The Woodlands, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and The Mohegan Sun Arena before retiring.

Her faith guided her throughout her life. A devoted member of St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, Lillian often helped in the kitchen and lovingly prepared Syrian bread, kibbeh, grape leaves, baklava, and other family recipes. Through her cooking, she shared her heritage and brought people together. As a very active member of the Ladies of St. Mary's auxiliary group, she poured her heart into spaghetti nights, church rummage sales, and other fundraisers in support of her church.

She enjoyed visiting the Senior Center several times a week, supporting G.A.R Memorial High School football and wrestling booster clubs, Monday morning breakfast club at Abe's with friends, and traveling, especially on cruises.

She treasured her lifelong friendships and especially enjoyed regular outings with her classmates, and was elated to attend her 60th class reunion in 2019.

Above all, she cherished her family, particularly her eight grandchildren, who were the apples of her eye. She took great pride in their lives and loved attending their sporting events, recitals, and celebrations.

During her recovery, Lillian shared special time with her granddaughter Emily, a nurse, whose professional care and loving companionship reflected their close bond.

Lillian was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Steven A. Bonomo Sr., who passed away in August 1987; her parents, Emily Moses and John Achey; and her brother, John Achey, who passed away in February 1987.

She is survived by her sons, Dr. Steven Bonomo and his wife, Lisa, and Dr. Michael Bonomo and his wife, Judy; her daughter, Rachael Fick and her husband, Charlie; her brothers, Elias Achey and his wife, Julia, and David Achey and his wife, Barbara; her sister, Janet Holovach and her husband, Michael “Mickey”; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Megan, Julia, Steven, Michael, Alyssa, Nicholas, Emily, and Brett.

Lillian will be remembered for her faith, generosity, Syrian traditions, friendships, love of travel, and devotion to her family. Her legacy will live on through the recipes she shared and the many memories cherished by those who knew and loved her.

Lillian’s Celebration of Life will be conducted on Saturday, September 5 at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, Wilkes-Barre. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects from 9-10 AM, with the funeral service following at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery, Hanover Township.

In lieu of flowers, Lillian’s family kindly asks that memorial donations be made to St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church.

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

08/25/2026

Evelyn Slavinski

Evelyn Slavinski, 93, a lifelong resident of Hanover Township, passed away August 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on December 13,1932 to the late Lucy and George Stamer.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband William, brothers Thomas, Leonard and Adelbert Stamer, and grandsons Robert and William Slavinski.

She is survived by her children Doreen (James) Ayling, William (Pam) Slavinski, Thomas (Margie) Slavinski, George Slavinski (Robin Ferraro), Grandchildren Jessica, Christopher and James Ayling, Brian and Brandon Slavinski, Shannon Moore, and Eric Slavinski, thirteen great-grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was a member of Exaltation of the Holy Cross Parish. She will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, and her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St. Wilkes-Barre with a viewing from 10am to 11:30am on Monday, August 31, 2026, followed by a service at 11:30am at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest with her husband in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.

08/24/2026

Betty George Polanowski

Betty George Polanowski passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 18, 2026, at the age of 88.

Betty was born on July 3, 1938, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to Leo and Adele Atiyeh George, who were of Lebanese heritage. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Marion George Norman and Margaret George.

A graduate of Coughlin High School, and Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Betty devoted much of her professional life to helping others. She began her career as an elementary school teacher and guidance counselor and later worked for Armstrong World Industries in Marietta, Pennsylvania.

It was while studying education that Betty met Frank Polanowski, beginning a love story that would span nearly 65 years. They married on February 19, 1970, during a record-setting snowstorm, and over the many years that followed, they weathered all of life’s seasons side by side. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and a deep commitment to one another, making their homes in State College and Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, and most recently in San Jose, California.

Above all, Betty was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She dedicated herself to her only son, Leo George Polanowski, always pushing him to aim higher and ultimately helping propel him to attend Harvard University. She was immensely proud of him and the life he built. She found tremendous joy in her beloved granddaughters, Lauren and Addison, and treasured the time she spent with them.

Betty was known for her warmth, wisdom, and deep devotion to the people she loved. She had a way of caring for others that was so often expressed through food, conversation, and the traditions she shared.

A remarkable cook, Betty loved preparing many types of food, but traditional Lebanese cuisine held a special place in her heart. Just as she had loved teaching throughout her life, she loved passing along what she knew in the kitchen, sharing treasured family recipes and the stories and traditions behind them with those she loved. Over countless meals with family and friends, Betty passed along far more than recipes. She shared her wisdom, her heritage, and her love, leaving behind a legacy that will continue through the generations that follow her.

Betty will be deeply missed by her husband, Frank; her son, Leo; her granddaughters, Lauren and Addison; and the many family members and friends whose lives she touched.

A graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Cemetery, 75 E. St. Mary’s Rd. in Wilkes-Barre on Friday, August 28, at noon under the direction of Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date in San Jose, California, where family and friends will gather in a way that feels especially fitting: together around a table, preparing and sharing some of her favorite foods in her memory.

08/19/2026

George J. Kempinski “Rx”

George J. Kempinski passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Born in Wilkes Barre on September 17, 1931, to George and Mary (Witek) Kempinski, he was the last surviving sibling among his five brothers and sisters.

After graduating from Hanover Area High School, George enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably in the Korean War from 1951 to 1954. During his service he achieved the rank of Sergeant and earned various medals including his Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification badge, and the Bronze Star with Valor for meritorious service and heroism in combat. While he rarely talked about it, George was very proud of his military service. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1954.

George married the former Christine (Tina) Steve on August 20, 1955. They celebrated their 70th anniversary last August.

After earning his degree from Brooklyn College of Pharmacy, George began his pharmacy career. Eventually, he and Tina would open their first store in Plymouth in 1967, which they later relocated to Hanover Township at the Crossroads. In addition to the pharmacy, the business offered a full-service floral and gift store. 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.

George was a member of Exaltation of The Holy Cross Church in Buttonwood. A devout Catholic, George frequently attended various other area churches where he developed several close friendships, including a close-knit group who enjoyed many post-Mass meals together. For many years he maintained memberships in The American Legion & VFW, Hanover Township Lions Club, where he was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship for outstanding service, and he was a 3rd Degree Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 984, Plymouth and a 4th Degree Honorary Life Member of the Bishop William J. Hafey Assembly 925 Knights of Columbus, Wilkes-Barre.

George loved golf and had many great times and experiences on the golf course. He and Tina enjoyed over 25 winters as residents and members of Heritage Palms golf community in Fort Myers, FL. George was a member of Berwick Golf Club for over 20 years and was one of the longest tenured fixtures at Wyoming Valley Country Club, with 55 years of membership, where he was known simply as “Rx.”

Among the many things that George will be remembered for is his constant attention to helping other people. One particular example is how he went above and beyond during the Hurricane Agnes flood of 1972. George and the family moved essential supplies from the pharmacy to his home in order to remain open. He made countless deliveries of critical medicines to customers and people in the valley when they were unable to get out on their own.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his wife Tina, son George Jr., siblings Stacia, Stephanie, Florence, Chester, and Eugene.

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

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Monday, August 24, 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 2-5pm on Sunday, August 23 at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St. Wilkes-Barre.

08/15/2026

Marlene Kratz

Marlene Richards Kratz, 91, of Hanover Township, passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026, at The Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dallas, PA.

Born April 17, 1935 and raised in Lower Askam and Warrior Run, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Margaret Richards. A proud graduate of Meyers High School, Marlene remained an active alumna throughout her life, helping to organize and plan her class’s yearly reunions.

In her earlier years, she was a member of the Lioness Club, cofounder of the Askam Elementary PTA, and served as a coach for the Warrior Run girls’ softball team.

Marlene was an avid traveler, having visited numerous countries across Europe and cities throughout the United States. She especially cherished trips to Canada and Niagara Falls with her husband of 70 years, Andrew Kratz, and their close circle of friends.

She enjoyed shopping, socializing, spending time with family and friends, and doting on her beloved dogs, Mindi and Mandi.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, William Richards (Mildred); sistersinlaw Mary, Martha, and Sharon; and brotherinlaw Richard.

Surviving are five generations of family, including her husband of 70 years, Andrew J. Kratz; sons Richard Kratz (Lisa) of Warrior Run and Andrew Kratz Jr. (Lori) of Hanover Twp; daughters Andrea Kratz Heller (Christopher) of Harveys Lake, and Kimberly Kratz Cardimona (Jeffrey) of Hazle Twp. She is also survived by grandchildren Richard Kratz Jr., James Brodginski, Nicole Kratz Meade, Antonio Gianelli, Deanna Gianelli Lesh, Leann Smith Megaris, Tia Hartenfels Baker, Tara Hartenfels Shaefer, Christopher Heller, Cady Heller Jackson, Christina Kratz, and Jeffrey Cardimona Jr.; numerous greatgrandchildren, and a greatgreatgranddaughter. Additional survivors include nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 19 at MamaryDurkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish Street, Wilkes‑Barre.

The Funeral Service will take place at the funeral home Thursday, August 20 at 10:30am with visitation from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Interment will follow in the Hanover Green Cemetery, 689 Main Road, Hanover Township.

08/13/2026

Patricia Hammerbacher

Patricia (Pat) Hammerbacher, age 89, of Wilkes-Barre, PA, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026.

Born on March 17, 1937, in Union City, NJ to Edward and Mary Fay, Pat eventually moved with her family to Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn, NY where she spent the bulk of her early years with her parents and five siblings.

At the age of 15, she met her future husband, George, at church. They were friends the first few years but then eventually began dating, got engaged, and married. Pat and George started their married life in Long Island where they had their first two children – Jeanne and Clare (Small-McEvoy).

Pat received her degree in Business Administration from St. John’s University while pregnant with Jeanne. Eventually, the couple moved to Wilkes-Barre where George taught English at King’s College for many years. While in Wilkes-Barre, Pat and George had two more children – Kenneth and Noelle (married to Michael Daley). Pat spent many years working as a Business Education teacher in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District; most of those years were spent teaching at Coughlin High School.

Pat is survived by her loving husband of almost 67 years, Dr. George Hammerbacher. She was a loving mother to her four children and found so much joy in her grandchildren, Kathryn Small, Billy Small (married to Megan Small [née Rau]), Jimmy McEvoy, Elsa Daley, and Finn Daley, and great-grandchildren, Nolan Small and Willow Small.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Nicholas-St. Mary’s Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA at 10 AM on August 19, 2026. Visitation is from 9 to 10 AM at the church. Interment will follow Mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hanover Twp.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Scranton Health Care Center’s Resident Activity Fund at 2933 McCarthy Street, Scranton, PA 18505.

08/07/2026

John “Jack” Zelinka

John (Jack) D. Zelinka, age 78, of Ashley, PA, passed away peacefully at home on August 5, 2026. He was born on May 15, 1948 to John Zelinka and Florence (Albosta) Zelinka.

Jack was a graduate of Ashley High School, Class of 1966. After graduation, Jack joined the U.S. Air Force where he served on active duty for four years stationed at Mather Air Force Base, California. His time in the Air Force included a deployment to Vietnam where he was stationed at Da Nang Air Base. After leaving active duty with the Air Force, Jack served for over twenty years with the U.S. Army Reserves 300th Field Hospital. Jack worked at Techneglas as a machinist for over 30 years until it closed in 2004. He was then employed with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources working at Francis Slocum State Park for eight years until fully retiring in 2013.

Following his retirement, he enjoyed the simple things in life-spending time in his garage, relaxing at his campsite, daily visits with friends at local establishments, watching his tomato plants in the summer, checking out flea markets and used book sales and reading many historical military novels. He enjoyed planning annual visits to several NFL pre-season training camps along with visits to historical sites. He attended and enjoyed many Army -Navy games (Go Army!). He was a lifelong New York Jets and Mets fan.

Jack was a long-time member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 274, Ashley, PA where he served as Post Commander for three years. He was also a longtime member of the American Legion Post 673, Ashley, PA as well as Amvets Post 59, Hanover Township, PA and VFW Post 283, Kingston, PA.

Jack was a member of Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Jack is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marie (Gallagher) Zelinka, and his three children, Donna Bealla (Andrew) of Charlotte, NC, Jack Zelinka (Tricia) of Mountain Top, PA and Devon Kuniegel of Mountain Top, PA. He is also survived by his sister, Joan Gilligan, Old Bridge, NJ and his grandchildren, Ryan Zelinka, Carson Bealla, Matthew Kuniegel, Ava Thomas, Lily Kuniegel along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Jean Smith, Brick, NJ.

The family is deeply grateful to Sacred Heart Hospice especially Kerri and Barrielynn for the gentle and compassionate care they provided during the last several months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Wounded Warrior Project by visiting their website, or PO BOX 758516, Topeka KS.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church on Tuesday.

Family and friends may call on Monday, August 10, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St. Wilkes-Barre.

07/25/2026

John F. Jaikes, Jr.

John F. Jaikes Jr, 80, of Wilkes Barre, died on July 21, 2026 at Hospice of the Sacred Heart of Dunmore surrounded by his family.

John was born on March 26, 1946 to the late John F Jaikes Sr and Virginia Jumper. Proceeding him in death are his sister, Jean Baird (2004), his brother Fred Rhinehart (2000), and his chihuahua, Brandy.

John graduated from Plymouth High School in 1964 and then served in the US Army National Guard. John was a trucker until he retired in 2005 from colon cancer. His favorite teams were the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Surviving are his loving wife, Emily, who has been by his side for the last 62 years, daughter Susan Jaikes and her fiancée, John Soules, son John F Jaikes III and his wife Kim, son Joseph Jaikes, grandson Jeffrey Jaikes, wife Emily and their three girls, granddaughter Jennifer Jaikes, her partner Matt Blue, and their son, granddaughter Jessica Elias, husband Brad, and their two sons, sisters Joan Evans and Virginia Thomas.

A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, July 30 from 12-2pm at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish Street Wilkes-Barre followed by a blessing service at 2pm.

Mamary-Durkin Funeral Home

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

08/25/2026

08/24/2026

08/19/2026

08/15/2026

08/13/2026

08/07/2026

07/25/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request