Leonard J. Stankunas

1926 - 2023

Leonard J. Stankunas, 96, of Mountain Top, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023.

Born July 12, 1926, in Plymouth, Leonard was the son of the late Frank and Mary Dixie Stankunas.

Len was truly one of the last of the "greatest generation," having served in the U.S. Navy PT boats during World War II. He rose to the rank of petty officer second class and received a battle star for the Solomon Island campaign in the South Pacific theater.

Leonard was perhaps best known and admired for his artistic talent, and devotion to teaching art.

Upon his return from World War II, he graduated from Hanover High School and then went on to study at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

Leonard was the art director of TV Guide magazine for 35 years and almost immediately after his retirement taught drawing, illustration, color and design at Luzerne County Community College. He was a true inspiration to many young artists over those 25 years!

Leonard is survived by his daughter, Leora Elizabeth Allen and son-in-law, Dr. Gregg Allen; granddaughters, Kerchanin Allen; and Jessica Stansell and her husband, Blake; great-granddaughters, Meherrin, Dawson and Saylor; sister, Irene Pstrak; and close family friend, consummate caregiver and honorary daughter, Lisa Tuyet Splinter.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday from McCune Funeral Home Chapel, Mountain Top, with the Rev. Charles Warwick officiating. Burial will be held in the Lithuanian Cemetery near Hunlock's Creek, followed by a celebration of Len's life at the Westmoreland Club, Wilkes-Barre.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.