Henry "Hank" Stachura, 80, of Jermyn, died Friday, July 10th, at home surrounded by his family.
His wife of 51 years is the former Richele Brennan. Born and raised in Jermyn, he was a son of the late Michael and Anna Zeshonsky Stachura. He was a member of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church until its closing and later Christ the King Parish in Archbald.
A 1963 graduate of St. Rose of Lima High School, Hank was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1972 on board the U.S.S. Enterprise as a Nuclear Reactor Operator and Reactor Systems Control Technician. He was awarded numerous medals for his service. Henry later earned both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Pennsylvania State University.
Hank was a well-respected educator and colleague at the Lackawanna County Area Vocational Technical School later, the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County for over 30 years where he taught Electronics Technology. One of the school's original union organizers, he later served as president of The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 3876. He also served on AFT-Pennsylvania's executive council as Vice President for vocational education. After retirement Hank was elected to serve as a School Board Director for the Lakeland School District, where he also served as Board President. He also served on the board of the Northeast Intermediate Unit (NEIU). He was a longtime member of Shopa Davey VFW Post 6082 and the American Legion Post 0465. He was active in numerous civic and community events and organizations in and around Jermyn and Mayfield.
Hank was a gift to his family, his community and his country. There was nothing he couldn't fix, and no problem that was too big for him to solve. He had a lifelong love of folk music and enjoyed playing guitar with family and friends. Known for his quick wit and his ability to bring humor to every situation, Hank leaves behind a lasting legacy.
He is also survived by three daughters: Sarah and husband Brendan Regan, Stephanie and husband Michael Conaghan, and Michaelene and husband Farhan Ahmed; a granddaughter, Erin Grace Conaghan; a sister, Annemarie Kitchura; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by two brothers: Thomas and John (Jack); and a sister, Eleanor Marion, who died on April 16th.
The funeral will be Friday, July 24, with Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 429 Church St. Archbald. Military Honors will follow. A viewing will be Thursday, July 23, from 4-7 p.m. at the Charles A. Battenburg Funeral Home, 363 Washington Ave., Jermyn.
Those attending the mass on Friday are asked to proceed directly to the church.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Hank's honor may be made to: St. Joseph's Center.
Arrangements are under the care of the Neil W. Regan Funeral Home. To e-mail condolences, please visit nwrfh.com