John Stankovic

John "Stanky" Stankovic, 89, of the Hanover Section of Nanticoke, passed away early Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025.

Born at home on Phillip Street, in the Hanover Section of Nanticoke, on May 4, 1936, he was a son of the late Joseph and Anna Shambora Stankovich.

Stanky was a graduate of Nanticoke High School, Class of 1954. He was a star athlete, excelling in baseball and basketball, playing for the Nanticoke League, Wilkes-Barre Barons, and trying out for the Cleveland Indians.

He began a humble career as a ragman, as well as his beginning, what would become a lifelong career as a musician at the age of 9. Stanky became a nationally known and tremendously loved Polka musician for 80 years, playing all over the world, including: two world fairs, five continents, and the 50th anniversary of the Korean War at Osan Air Force Base in South Korea, and HBO Television. He recorded over 20 albums with his band, "Stanky, and the Coal Miners." He enjoyed fishing and mushroom picking and could be known as the best storyteller in the world. He had a love of food and travel, but most of all cherished the time spent with family and friends.

Stanky was a member of St. Faustina Kowalska Parish, Nanticoke, and formerly St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, prior to the consolidation of the parishes. He was a member of the International Polka Association and was inducted into its hall of fame in 2019. In 2025, John was also inducted into the Luzerne County Arts and Entertainment Hall of Fame. He also belonged to the Nanticoke Lions Club, and was a member of the Hanover Fire Company #4, Hanover Section, for over 70 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy "Dottie" Wegrzynowicz Stankovic, with whom he celebrated their 63rd anniversary on June 2; two daughters, Kimberly Bukowski, and son-in-law, and Deborah Horoschock, (late husband, Vinny Horoschock); grandchildren, Ashley Michaels and her husband, Jeffrey, Alex Bukowski, and Trevor Bukowski; a brother, Joe Stanky, and his wife, Corrine; and all the many fans throughout the world.

Funeral services will begin 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31, from Dinelli Family Funeral Home, 170 E. Broad St., Nanticoke, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Faustina Kowalska Parish, 520 S. Hanover St., Nanticoke, with the Rev. Brian F. Van Fossen as celebrant.

Viewing and visitation hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Entombment with Rite of Committal will follow in the Mary, Mother of God Mausoleum, St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Nanticoke Engine #4.

To leave the family a message of condolence or expression of sympathy, visit www.dinellifuneralhome.com.