Reinhard J. "Rein-O" Bolesta Sr., 71, of Sugar Notch, passed away at home on Thursday, July 22, 2021 surrounded by his loving family after a nine-month battle with the only thing stronger than him: cancer.
Born Sept. 2, 1950 in Plymouth, he was the son of the late Marion Bolesta and Elizabeth Kroenlein Bolesta. He was a 1968 graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School. He attended Wilkes University where he was a member of the 1968 Hall of Fame football team. He also briefly played semi-professional football with the Wyoming Valley Giants.
Reinhard was a member of Holy Family Parish, Sugar Notch. He was a 40-year member of the Twin Boro Lions Club where he not only served locally as president among other positions, but also as district secretary for District 14W. He was a lifetime member of the Sugar Notch Volunteer Fire Company and coached his eldest son's Mini Hawks football team for several years.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed by the Laborers' Local Union 130, previously Laborers' Local Union 215, where he served as recording secretary and vice president. For most of his life, Reinhard also worked as a bouncer at various businesses, but is most known for his time at the Woodlands Inn in Wilkes-Barre.
In addition to his family and work, Reinhard loved bringing doughnuts to his two littlest grandsons and visiting the casino. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be remembered for his firm handshakes, booming voice, and wearing shorts in the winter.
Surviving are his loving wife of 47 years, the former Patricia A. Rebarchik; children, Reinhard J. Bolesta Jr. and his wife, Lisa, Plymouth; Nicholas Bolesta and his significant other, Laura Tyria, Forty Fort; and Jillian L. Pientka and her husband, Donald, Wilkes-Barre Twp.; grandchildren, Christian Bolesta, and Brayden and Hendrix Pientka; brothers, John "Jay" Bolesta and his wife, Kathy, Plymouth Twp. and Thomas Bolesta and his wife, Karen, Shavertown; sister, Marion Marosevitch, Kingston; as well as many nieces and nephews. He will also be dearly missed by the family dog Gino, who stayed by his side throughout.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, Birchwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Nanticoke and especially Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their dedicated and loving care of Reinhard in the past year. The family would also like to thank Laura Tyria, whom Reinhard loved as a daughter, for her assistance and additional care throughout his illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Reinhard's name to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Dr., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 28, at 6:30 p.m. from the S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 W. Main St., Plymouth.
Family and friends are invited to call Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
To submit condolences to Reinhard's family, please visit www.sjgrontkowskifuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. The world lost a great man. May he Rest in Peace.
The Shusta Family
Friend
July 27, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. The world lost a great man. May he Rest in Peace.
The Shusta Family
July 27, 2021
From all of us at Datom we are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Reinhard. We will certainly miss him here. Our deepest sympathies to the family for your loss.
Datom Products
Work
July 27, 2021
Datom Products
July 27, 2021
So sorry to hear of Reinhard's passing. He was a big teddy bear...he'd give you that stare...then smile and wink.
Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Linda Helfrick
July 26, 2021
Pat & family, my deepest sympathies. To the "kids" from Vine St, he will forever be our football star hero!
Marikay Kebles Morel
Other
July 25, 2021
My condolences to the Bolesta family. It was always a pleasure to run into Reinhard. He would always greet me with a great smile, handshake and give me a bit of a good natured hard time. Super gentleman, one of a kind. My pleasure to have known you.
Chris O'Brien
Friend
July 25, 2021
I met Reinhard while bartending at the Woodlands in the 80's and 90's. He settled many a matter with a simple tap on the shoulder and his signature phrase, " Its time to go" , never using any more 'encouragement' than necessary. To me he will always be The Dean of Woodlands bouncers (what a handshake!). My condolences to his family who I'm sure miss him terribly.
Gary Griffin
Work
July 25, 2021
We are so very sorry for your loss. May your memories sustain you and may Rheini rest in peace.
Joe and Shirley Giza
School
July 24, 2021
To the Bolesta family iam so sorry to hear about Reni-O he was the nicest guy U could ever meet for as strong as he was he would never what to hurt anyone always had a great smile and a handshake it was always a pleasure to know Reni i used to love when he would stop at my carriage stop inn please accept our condolences and may Reni Rest In Peace sincerely jerry bonner family Daytona Beach Florida
Jerry bonner
July 24, 2021
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