Dr. Dennis Joseph Wydra

ELYSBURG - Dr. Dennis Joseph Wydra, Ed.D., 81, of Elysburg, departed this world to be with his Lord, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, surrounded by family after living with cancer for several months.

Dennis was born at Shamokin State General Hospital, Aug. 18, 1943, a son of the late Joseph A. and Marion A. (Shukitt) Wydra and grew up with his sisters, Karen and Kathleen. A

After graduating from Mount Carmel High School, in 1961, Dennis went on to study math education at Bloomsburg State College and received a bachelor's degree in 1965. Dennis began teaching junior high math at Bradford Area School District. Dennis continued his education and moved to Mansfield, in 1969, to begin teaching instructional technologies at Mansfield State College. Dennis received his Doctor of Education from Temple University, in 1974, and retired from Mansfield University as a professor in 1999.

While attending Bloomsburg University, Dennis met his first wife, Bernice (Jenkins Wydra) Derr. They had two daughters, Wendelyn "Wendy" and Candace. In 1985, Dennis married Cynthia (Clark Goff) Wydra. After retiring in 1999, Dennis and Cynthia moved to Elysburg and enjoyed many happy years helping others, pursuing their interests and enjoying their family.

Dennis was very dedicated to his faith and his five grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a particular interest in helping others pursue their higher education goals.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Cynthia Wydra; his sister, Kathleen Else; his brother-in-law, Don Dallabrida; his daughters and sons-in-law, Wendy and Mark Wolcott and Candace and Chet Thompson; his grandchildren, Olivia (Wolcott) Behr and her husband, Tyler, Micaela Wolcott and Sophia, Bradley and Edy Thompson; and his nieces, nephew, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Karen Dallabrida; a brother-in-law, Robert E. Else III; and a stepson, Frederick Goff.

WYDRA - Dr. Dennis Joseph Wydra, Ed.D., 81, of Elysburg. A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29, at Christ Wesleyan Church, 363 Stamm Road, Milton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) by mail to NETRF, 31 St. James Ave., Suite 365, Boston, MA 02116 or online at www.netrf.org/give.