Gerald E. Kastreva

Mr. Gerald E. "Jerry" Kastreva, 75, a resident of Hanover Twp., passed peacefully into eternal life Monday evening, April 18, 2022, while in the care of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital following a prolonged illness.

Born Monday, Feb. 10, 1947, in Wilkes-Barre Twp., he was the elder of two sons to the late Leo G. and Catherine Dudosh Kastreva. Educated in the township schools, he was a member of the 1965 graduating class of the former Wilkes-Barre Twp. High School. Later in life, he furthered his education by taking courses at then Wilkes College.

Following his high school graduation, Mr. Kastreva joined the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He proudly served our country during the end of the Korean Conflict and later during the Vietnam War. While serving in Vietnam, he became afflicted with the effects of "Agent Orange" and lived with them the rest of his life. Upon the time of his honorable discharge from military duties on May 18, 1972, he was the recipient of a Bronze Star; a second Bronze Star with First Oak Leaf Cluster and the Korean Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, earning the rank of captain.

Until his retirement, Jerry was employed as a route man for Valley Vending Company of Wilkes-Barre for many years. Prior to that, and in his youth, he worked for the former Bucyrus-Erie Company, also of Wilkes-Barre, in the sales and service of various coal mining machine parts.

Above all else, he is remembered as being a quiet man who placed his family at the focal point of his life. He was a loving devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle to his adoring family. His physical presence will be missed by all those who knew and loved him in this life.

He and his wife, the former Lorraine C. Sabol, just celebrated 53 years of married life together last week on April 12.

Left to cherish the wonderful memories they keep of him, in addition to his beloved wife, Lorraine, at home, are the couple's children, Gerald E. Kastreva Jr. and his wife, Michele, Scranton; and Laura C. Kastreva, Hanover Twp.; his buddy and the apple of his eye, his grandson, John George Kastreva, at home; brother, Leo Kastreva and his wife, Linda, Mountain Top; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Kastreva will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday with the Liturgy of the Word at John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main St. The Rev. Joseph J. Pisaneschi, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville, will serve as celebrant and homilist.

Interment will be in Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, PA Route #415, Dallas, where military honors will be accorded by members of the United States Army.

Relatives and friends may join the Kastreva family for visitation and shared remembrances from 9 a.m. until the service time Saturday.

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