Joseph Stanko

Joseph “Joe” Stanko, 66, Berwick, formerly of Scranton, passed away Friday at home after being stricken ill.  He is survived by his loving partner of 23 years, Bonnie Yagle.

Born 1953 in Scranton, he was the son of Jean Laboranti Stanko and the late John Stanko.  He was a 1971 graduate of West Scranton High School.  Upon his graduation he began his 40 year career at Hadden Craftsmen and then for the RR Donnelly Company.

Joe’s family was the heart of his life.  He was Papa Joe to his grandchildren.  He enjoyed fun trips to Knoebels and lunches together at Coney Island followed by a stop at Scranton Hobby Center.   As a train enthusiast and collector, he devoted countless hours designing and constructing elaborate platforms and displays.  He and Bonnie enjoyed traveling and vacationing with their families and friends. He was a lifelong Yankees fan.  His love, care and devotion for his mother was unmatched.

Also surviving are his daughter Lori Goetz; a sister Debbie Preno; beloved grandchildren James and Grace Goetz and Alexandra Stanko; his nephew and godson Russell Preno, III; aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was also preceded in death by his dear son Mark Stanko who died December 28, 2018; his brother in law Russell Preno, Jr; and Bonnie’s daughter Tracy Yagle.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 11am in the Immaculate Conception Church 801 Taylor Ave. Scranton by Rev. Joseph Sica.

All attending the funeral are invited to go directly to the church.

Friends may call Wednesday from 4-7pm in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton.

Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions be made in Joe’s memory to the St. Francis of Assisi Soup Kitchen 500 Penn Ave. Scranton, PA 18503.

10 Comments

  1. Ellen McGuire

    My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Joseph.

  2. Christine Kemp

    I am sorry for your loss! I worked with him at R R Donnelly.

  3. Joyce Ruhanna Chinchilla

    My deepest sympathy to Joseph’s friends and family at this time! Hi Debbie I’m so sorry for your loss! May your brother rest in Gods peace!

  4. Mary Ann (Serkosky) Klem

    Dear Jean, Lori, Debbie and Russell, So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Joe. Always the happy, smiley guy and so very warm and friendly. A wonderful person and such a terrible loss for your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I know he will live on in your memories.

    • Lori

      Thanks aunt Maryann I appreciate your kind words

  5. Stevee Zeislloft

    Goodbye Joe, you will be missed. I know I miss our daily ” ribbing” at RRD. You were one of the few Scranton boys to coome down to Bloomsburg. Got to knowya well as my bunkmare in Harrisonburg Va., ( what a loud snorer! ) Rest in Pease my friend.

  6. Jim

    Joe’s favorite funny memory was when he was in the West Scranton H.S. band in 7th grade!! When the music teacher came into the band room we were jamming a rousing version of
    the theme Peter Gunn, and it would take Horace G. 10 minutes to get us to stop playing !!!

    Happened every class !!!

  7. Dianne

    Bonnie, I am so sorry,Glenn doesn’t even know it yet . He’s on a cruise with his nephew. I will be talking too him Sat, but I would rather tell him in person. I always loved Joe, I”ll always remember the great times we had at the Bloomsburg fair. Love Dianne

  8. Joe Lombardi

    Debbie;
    So very sorry to hear of your brother, Joe’s, passing. Will always remember him as a very gentle and kind person. My heartfelt condolences to his family, and, of course, to you and your mother.
    Joe Lombardi

  9. Sheri Albertson

    So very sorry for your loss.

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