Michael J. Yencha Sr.

     Mr. Michael "Mickey" J. Yencha Sr., 83, formerly of South Wilkes-Barre, more recently a resident of Kingston Manor, entered into Eternal Life Tuesday morning of Holy Week in the emergency department of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital following a brief illness.

     Born March 10, 1935 in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son to the late John and Mary (Witzak) Yencha.  Educated in the city schools, he attended the James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.  He later furthered his education by attending the former Wilkes-Barre Business College.

     Following his formal education, Mr. Yencha proudly served our country as an armament mechanic during the Korean Conflict with the United States Navy, being honorably discharged from duties on February 15, 1956.

     Until his retirement, Michael was employed as a case worker with the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare.  Previously, he worked as assistant city manager for the City of Wilkes-Barre; was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in Harrisburg, and prior to that, he served as a funerary assistant and driver for the late John V. Morris, Funeral Director.

     He was a member of the Parish of Saint Andre Bessette, North Wilkes-Barre, having been a life member of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Slovak Roman Catholic church prior to its closure and subsequent merger.  He also held membership in the Brookside Post #837 of the American Legion, the Polish American Veterans of Hudson and the North End Slovak Citizens Club.  An avid outdoorsman, Mickey enjoyed hunting, fishing and the many get-aways to his cabin.

     Michael was preceded in death by sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Baum and Mrs. Mary Ann Jones; by a brother, Mr. Richard D. Yencha; Several nieces and nephews.

     Left to mourn his passing are his former wife, Ms. Dorothy (Hartman) Yencha; Sons, Michael J. Yencha Jr. and his wife Linda of Alaska and Benjamin Yencha of Luzerne;  A brother, Mr. John Yencha of North Wilkes-Barre; Sisters, Mrs. Geraldine Goldberg of Boca Raton, FL and Mrs. Nancy Jacobs of Kingston;  Numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces,  great-nephews and many dear friends.

     Funeral services for Mr. Yencha will be conducted on Wednesday, April 4th at 9:30 a.m. from the North Wilkes-Barre location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 625 North Main Street, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish of Saint Andre Bessette.  The Reverend Kenneth M. Seegar, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.

     Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

     Relatives and friends may join Michael's family for visitation and remembrances Tuesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home where military honors will be accorded by the United States Navy.

     In lieu of floral tributes, Mike's family would be humbled if those contemplating a memorial contribution in his memory, kindly give consideration to the American Legion, 1123 East End Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

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