Jerry C. Rynkiewicz, 61, of Wyoming, passed away Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at Allied Services Hospice, surrounded by his family.
Born in Jamaica, Queens, New York, he was the son of the late Richard and Rose Rynkiewicz.
Jerry was a 1982 graduate of Pittston Area High School and served in the United States Army Reserves.
Jerry was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. He was a diehard Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's baseball games. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, often taking trips with his sisters.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard; and niece, Candace.
Surviving are his children, Erica and her husband, Brian; Matthew and his wife, Ashley; Jason and his wife, Liezl; grandchildren, Santino, Sophia, Francis, and Madeleine; sisters, Michelle and husband, Tony; Connie and husband, Harry; Doreen and husband, Randy; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family and friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Graziano Funeral Home, 700 South Township Blvd., Pittston.
The family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to the staff at Allied Services Hospice for their extraordinary and compassionate care during this difficult time.
Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ellen Swithers
January 30, 2026
Jerry was my 3 kids swim coach for many years. He was such a great coach and friend to the kids. He instilled a hard work ethic in them while also having fun. He knew how to get the best out of each one and was so encouraging. We had a lot of great times traveling many miles for a lot of meets. We are so deeply saddened by this. RIP Coach Jerry from the Smith kids, Ariel, Cody & Austin & mom.
Jack Evans
January 20, 2026
I worked with Jerry summers at Birchwood Landscaping and with his own company. He was a great friend and boss. REST IN PEACE, MY FRIEND.
Jack Evans
joe thier
January 19, 2026
to a good guy who made a difference to those he touched and served. I wasn't a best friend of Jerry's but one who competed against him in high school, ran across him on the coaching circles, and all I ever thought of him was one good person. I think he will be missed. I will miss him and his smile. His athletes will always be great-full for the time he gave to them and the difference he made. I always had a good vibe when in his presence. I will always think highly of him and all that he did for the kids he coached. He may have left us on earth but its what he gave of himself while he was here that will matter. It is with great gratitude to have crossed paths with this man. I will always call him a friend. Most will always remember him as coach. In the end he was a good guy. God Speed in Healing for all of his family and those who knew him.
Pat O´C
January 15, 2026
Always looked up to Jerry as a swimmer. If you watched him swim the 100 fly at Districts, he went all out from the go, which was unheard of at the time, but incredible to watch! Haven´t seen him in years, but I know he´s positively impacted many young lives! RIP man...
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Jerry O´Hara
January 14, 2026
Coach Jerry was a big influence on my kids as the coach of the W-B YMCA swim team. He did a good job teaching the kids, while also making it fun for them. Our special thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May God bless.
Molly Chamberlain
January 14, 2026
Jerry was my first swim coach when I was a Wilkes-Barre YMCA Dolphin at age 4. He helped me cultivate a love for the sport, that for me, turned into a career coaching swimming. I remember him as being happy and kind -- he made swim meets fun and engaging. Grateful he was apart of my life and my swimming career. Regards to his family and community
Molly Chamberlain
January 14, 2026
Jerry was my first swim coach when I was a Wilkes-Barre YMCA Dolphin at age 4. He helped me cultivate a love for the sport, that for me, turned into a career coaching swimming. I remember him as being happy and kind -- he made swim meets fun and engaging. Grateful he was apart of my life and my swimming career. Regards to his family and community
Paul DePrimo
January 13, 2026
Jerry was my best friend since I was 11 years old. We stayed really close until we graduated high school. We weren't the best kids, nor did we always make the right decisions, but we never bothered anyone and always had a good time. He loved his family and dogs like crazy. His dog bear growing up was one of a kind and was a great boy. We walked everywhere and bear never left our sides, even without a leash. I have great memories and I am so sorry for his loss. Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Berti
January 13, 2026
My deepest sympathies to the family. I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all .
GERALD J LAMARK
January 13, 2026
I was running WVW Boys and Girls Junior Basketball, had games on Saturday, Chester Street.Two gyms in the school
and had to get there every Saturday to set up gyms.
Every year had a problem with the janitors,needing them to come at 7am,so I can set it up.They would arrive at 730 or 745.Then,they hired Jerry,always there at 7 to 4,with a smile on his face.
What a great guy and I'll miss him.
Albert and Opie
January 13, 2026
Met Jerry while walking our dogs at Frances Slocum, he was always pleasant to talk and walk with. Rest easy, Jerry.
Ninaleigh Stratton Wozniak
January 13, 2026
My deepest condolences to your family. Jerry was a big part of the Wyoming Valley swim community and friend of our family. Rest in peace my friend. The Stratton family
Danielle
January 13, 2026
Rest in peace Jerry
Pam Haddle
January 13, 2026
God bless all of Jerry's family and loved ones. RIP dear cousin
Adam Montville
January 13, 2026
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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19
Funeral services provided by:
Graziano Funeral Home - Pittston700 South Township Boulevard, Pittston, PA 18640

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