Alexander Wanas

1929 - 2022

Alexander Wanas, at 93 years of age, passed peacefully at home in Mayfield, Pa., on Sept. 24, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mildred "Millie" Onufrak Wanas, in 2016. The couple was married for 57 years. Alexander was born in Dickson City in 1929 to the late Michael and Catherine Okolovich Wanas. He was a graduate of Dickson City High School and, upon graduation, served his country in the United States Air Force. Later, Alexander attended the Pennsylvania State University.

Alexander was a well-known businessperson in his community. He began his passion for the restaurant industry at Pihl's Diner in 1950 and worked there for 10 years until he and Millie opened the well-known San-Aw BBQ Drive-In located on Route 6 in Mayfield. In 1983, the restaurant transitioned to the name of Alexander's Family Restaurant. To this day, Alexander's is a place where everyone could enjoy a homemade meal and, if they were lucky, could have been serenaded by Alexander and his harmonica. When Alexander picked up his harmonica and walked into the dining room, we often questioned him, "Who are you going to play for now?" He would proudly and happily say with a chuckle, "Oh, whoever will listen." Alexander cherished his business and paid a large amount of respect to his employees and gratefulness to his patrons. He will be remembered with smiles, and the same respect and dignity he showed us all.

Alexander was a loving husband, businessman, father, grandfather and friend. He was a true and kind gentleman to all he met and had many passions, hobbies and interests throughout his life. He was a keen numismatist (coin collector) and clever card player, which he enjoyed telling and teaching many about. Alexander held a great joy for golfing and was an active member at Elkview Country Club for 38 years of which he had acquired many lifelong friends. He was also a devoted member of St. Michael's Orthodox Church in Jermyn, Pa. Nonetheless, Alexander had a true appreciation for the simple things in life.

Surviving are his three children: his son, Alexander Wanas Jr. and his wife, Melissa Fumanti Wanas, of Blakely, Pa.; and daughters, Melanie Wanas, of Eynon, Pa.; and Karen Wanas, of Mayfield, Pa.; and grandchildren, Michael Burns, John Wanas, Alexandra Wanas and Isabella Wanas. He was preceded in death by his 12 siblings, Paul, Michael, John, William, Joseph, Walter, Anna Roman, Mary Kotch, Helen Shurminsky, Julie Bakos, Antonia Raguskus and Olga Magyar.

The Wanas family would like to sincerely give special thanks to Dr. Tamrat Bekele and Theresa Micknick, PA for providing exceptional care to Alexander throughout the years. The family would also like to thank his caregivers, Maia Civiletti, Marge Heller Zory, Stanley Zory, Dia Zory Tolan and Kim Rucker, who have shown such care and compassion to him. They have become a second family to Alexander and, especially, us.

Alexander will be remembered for his generosity, friendliness, kindness, devotion and wisdom by his countless friends, family, patrons and employees. He touched the lives of more people than he could have imagined and will be forever remembered as a legend of his time.

Viewing hours will be held at St. Michael's Orthodox Church in Jermyn, Pa., located at 305 Walnut St., on Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. Parastas will be at 8 p.m. The funeral service will also be held at St. Michael's Orthodox Church in Jermyn, Pa., on Thursday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m., conducted by the Very Rev. John Kowalczyk. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Alexander's memory can be made to St. Michael's Orthodox Church or Griffin Pond Animal Shelter.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Battenberg Funeral Home, Jermyn.