Thomas J. Czarniak

Thomas J. Czarniak, of Kingston, passed away on December 3, 2025, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, following a brief illness. Born August 3, 1951, he was the son of Frank A. Czarniak and Beatrice Burdulis Czarniak.

He was a graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School and King's College, where he earned a degree in Elementary Education. He taught Reading at the Wyoming Valley West Middle School. He later worked at Step by Step, showing great concern and compassion for the residents of the group home in Laflin.

As a boy, he enjoyed fishing, building models, the LA Dodgers, Mad Magazine, and summer visits to the riverside family cottage at Myo Beach near Tunkhannock. He greatly enjoyed music especially the Beach Boys, the Four Tops, and the Temptations. He was an ardent fan of Bob Dylan. Tom was a proud member of Wilkes-Barre Elks Lodge #109. He was a friend to all, always willing to lend a helping hand.

Tom enjoyed cooking, reading mysteries, solving crossword puzzles, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, attending several games at Heinz Field with his son Jeremy. Known as "Gramps" to his two grandchildren, he loved visiting with them in Pittsburgh.

Tom was preceded in death by his Father and his sister Patricia A. Czarniak.

His survived by his Mother, his son Jeremy T. Czarniak, of Crafton, Pa., his sister Kathleen C. Shucosky, and her husband Atty. Michael A. Shucosky, of Kingston, Pa., and former wife and Mother of his son, Jeremy, Donna John of Dallas, Pa.

He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Julia R. Czarniak and Brett W. Czarniak, nephews, a niece, two great nieces, great nephew, and numerous cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.