Bernard Stanley "Bernie" Shinko

Bernard Stanley "Bernie" Shinko, 96, passed away Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, Plains Township.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Bernie was the son of John Shinko and Stella (Paduch) Shinko and attended Meyers High School.

Bernie dedicated many years to his career as an ironworker, specializing in steel fabrication, before retiring at age 62. He was a skilled welder, known for his meticulous work on custom staircases. Not one to remain idle, he returned to work part-time at Cee Kay Auto, finally retiring again at age 90.

Bernie honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1951. He was a private first class (PFC) in the military police, serving first in Germany, then later serving in Okinawa during the Korean War.

Bernie was actively involved in the community, serving as a Boy Scout troop leader for many years. He was a life member of the Kingston VFW Post 283, where he served as post commander from 1970 to 1972. He was a life member of the American Legion Post 395. Bernie also coordinated the West Side Memorial Day Parade for over 50 years. According to those who knew Bernie, the parade will never be the same without him. He was an inspiration to many.

Bernie was a devout member of St. Hedwig's Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and past president of the Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree, and St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church. Bernie also served as an officer in the Greek Catholic Union (GCU).

In addition to his parents, and his wife of 59 years, Betty Shinko, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Stanley, Walter, Thomas, Joseph, John, Florence Skobodzinski, Mary Bellia, Genevieve Shinko and Elizabeth Turpin.

Bernie is survived by his son, Bernard R. Shinko; daughters: Diane Nardone, Saylorsburg; Rosemarie Cappelletti and her husband George, Birdsboro; Elizabeth Huibregtse and her husband Ric, Las Vegas; grandchildren: Kendra Yatsko and Nicole Nardone; siblings: Lucille Petrosky, Chester Shinko and Leona Delmore; his beloved dog, Duchess; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at the VA hospital for their exceptional care; as well as his nephew, Ray Shinko; and neighbor, Nancy Bellas; for their unwavering support.

The funeral will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday from Maher-Collins Funeral Home, 360 N. Maple Ave., Kingston, with a divine liturgy at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Protection Byzantine Catholic Church, Chestnut Ave., Kingston. Interment will be in the parish cemetery, Pringle. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612.