John A. Lanczak Jr.

1956 - 2022

John A. Lanczak Jr., or Chris, as everyone knew him as that name, 65, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, with his sister and brother-in-law at his side.

Born on Oct. 12, 1956, he was the son of the late John A. and Regina Rutenberg Lanczak Sr. Chris was a longlife resident of Luzerne. He attended and graduated from Sacred Heart Grammar School and received all his Sacraments from Sacred Heart Church until its closing and became a member of Holy Family Church due to a merge. Chris later attended Bishop O'Reilly High School and went on later in life to receive his GED. In his teens, Chris enjoyed basketball and could throw a basketball from mid court over and over and never miss the hoop. He went on to be in a local team and became part of a championship team. Although he enjoyed basketball, he really enjoyed baseball, especially the New York Yankees. As a young child, his parents would take the entire family to New York and he, his father and older brother would see a Yankees game. That was always the thrill of Chris's life.

Just about everyone who lives in Luzerne knows Chris, especially by his blue eyes, his smile, but most of all, his royal blue shirt - he wore one every day. Chris was always caring and kind. He would strike up a conversation with anyone, and by the time the conversation was over he had a new friend. Once, we were on a long bus ride and by the time it was over, Chris had made 10 new friends. If you were lucky enough to meet him, you would never forget him.

Chris was also very religious. He was a member of the Men of The Sacred Heart. He especially enjoyed in participating in saying parts of the rosary and staying for Mass until the organization moved to Hazleton. He was also a former member of the Knights of Columbus, Luzerne.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Mary Lenchick (Chris, along with his siblings were raised by his grandmother, Mary, while his parent worked); maternal grandparents, Harry and Frances Rutenberg; and niece, Angela Lanczak D'Andrea.

Surviving are his sister, Karen Leonardi; and brother-in-law, Bob, with whom he resided; brother, Michael Lanczak; and sister-in-law, Roberta; nephews, Michael and Robbie; and a bevy of friends he made along the way, but especially the lifelong relationships he had with so many, too numerous to count. Chris will sadly be missed by all.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday in Holy Family Parish, 574 Bennett St., Luzerne. Interment will be held in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton section of Wyoming. Family and friends may call from 9:15 a.m. to service time.

Arrangements are entrusted to Corcoran Funeral Home Inc., 20 S. Main St., Plains Twp.

For information or to leave Chris' family a condolence, visit www.corcoranfuneralhome.com.