Leonard J. Stankunas

MOUNTAIN TOP — Leonard J. Stankunas, of Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 17, 2023, at the age of 96.

Born July 12, 1926, in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, Leonard was the son of the late Frank and Mary (Dixie) Stankunas.

Len was truly one of the last of the "greatest generation," having served on the U.S. Navy PT boats during World War II. He rose to the rank of Petty Officer 2nd class, and received a battle star for the Solomon Island campaign in the South Pacific theatre.

Leonard was perhaps best known and admired for his artistic talent, and devotion to teaching art. Upon his return from WWII, he graduated from Hanover High School, and then went on to study at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Leonard was the Art Director of TV Guide magazine for 35 years, and almost immediately after his retirement taught drawing, illustration, color and design, at the Luzerne County Community College. He was a true inspiration to many young artists over those 25 years!

Leonard is survived by his daughter, Leora Elizabeth Allen and son-in-law Dr. Gregg Allen; his granddaughters: Kerchanin Allen and Jessica Stansell and her husband, Blake; his great-grandaughters: Meherrin, Dawson, and Saylor; his sister, Irene Pstrak; and his close family friend, consummate care-giver and honorary daughter, Lisa Tuyet Splinter.

Visitation will be this Friday, Jan. 20, at McCune Funeral Home in Mountain Top, Pa., from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m. in the McCune Funeral Home chapel. The Reverend Charles Warwick will officiate the service, and burial at the Lithuanian cemetery near Hunlock Creek, Pa., followed by a celebration of Len's life at The Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.