Benito Tranguch

Benito A. "Benny" Tranguch, of Hazle Township, passed away Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at John Heinz Rehabilitation Center in Wilkes-Barre. Born in Hazleton on Feb. 4, 1936, he was the son of the late Michael "Longy" and Catherine (Crann) Tranguch.

Benny lived a full life, making the most of each day. He was the "life of the party," always the performer with his wife, Nancy, as the straight man. His mantra was "I'll sleep when I'm dead." He loved life and always displayed an enthusiasm that was contagious. Every place he went or activity he participated in was always described as "the best!" He was an avid NASCAR fan with Nancy and made his way into the pit area, which resulted in friendships and great photos of Benny with some of the NASCAR drivers taken by Nancy. A highlight was when he drove a race car at Pocono Raceway. He was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed going to Lambeau Field with his sons to see the Packers play. He enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies, loved the arts and traveling, and was always ready for a party. Family was his priority, along with a strong faith in God.

He served on the financial committee and as an usher at Our Lady Of Grace Church for many years. Being involved in many social clubs, he always was the first to lend assistance and be the peacekeeper in the room. He was active in UNICO, serving as president for consecutive years and was selected as Outstanding Italian-American of the Year in 2013. Married to his true love and best friend, Nancy, for 62 years, they brought out the best in each other and served as role models for unconditional love and kindness. He said Nancy always had his heart. It was love at first sight for him.

Benny was a graduate of Hazle Township High School, Hazleton, and proudly served in the United States Army, since he came from a family of proud veterans. He worked at Tranguch Tire Service, Hazleton, in the shop and in sales, covering Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Later, he took over T&F Tire Supply, Kingston, as a bankrupt business and with Nancy's support, turned the business into a success, now run by his son, Thomas.

In addition to his parents, Benny was preceded by his wife, Nancy; son, Michael Charles; father-in-law, Frank McKelvey; mother-in-law, Florence McKelvey; his brother, Michael Tranguch; his sister, Theresa Cusatis; brothers-in-law, Charles, Thomas, and Andrew McKelvey, Jack Welling, Maurice Cusatis, and Joseph Bartek; and sisters-in-law, Mary Catherine Welling, Margaret Simko, Margaret McKelvey, Blair McKelvey, Joann McKelvey, and Mary Tranguch.

He is survived by children, Thomas (Michalene), Trucksville; Florence, Hazle Township; Catherine Amentler (Ronald), Drums; Benito Jr., Ashland, Mass.; grandchildren, Julia, Ann, Katherine, and Alexander; brother, Angelo; sister, Marietta; sister-in-law, Penny Tranguch; and nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday in Our Lady of Peace Parish at Our Lady of Grace Church, Hazleton. Burial will be in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery.

Special thanks to Dr. Stanley Lobitz and the staff at John Heinz Rehabilitation Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be made to stjosephscenter.org, the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, and the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

Condolences can be sent through www.moranfuneralhome.com.