Stanley "Zip" Harenza, 87, of Jenkins Twp., passed away peacefully Sunday evening, August 31, 2014, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, with his wife by his side. He and his wife, Genevieve Krivak Harenza, celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on Oct. 8, 2013.

Born in Jenkins Twp., he was a son of the late Michael and Agnes Lukasczyk Harenza. He was a graduate of Jenkins Twp. High School, Class of 1945. Stanley was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during World War II and earned the rank of Sgt.. Stan had a contract to play with the minor league team of the Cincinnati Reds but never pursued those plans after his time in the service.

Prior to retirement, he was employed for 33 years by Celotex Corp., Harding.

Stanley was very devoted to his hometown of Jenkins Township. He was one of five men who started the Jenkins Twp. Little League and had served as manager of one of the teams. He was a life member of the Jenkins Twp Hose Co. Through the years with the township, he held the offices of Supervisor and Zoning Officer, Secretary of Planning Commission, President of the Sewer Authority and sat on the Zoning Hearing Board.

Stanley was a Fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus John F. Kennedy Assembly 948, Pittston. He was also a 65 year member of the American Legion Post 938, Jenkins Twp..

Prior to the closing of St. Mark's Church in Inkerman, he held the office of President of the Holy Name Society. He was currently a member of St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin.

Stanley was a beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend, who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was an avid New York Yankee fan.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude and thanks to Dr. Mauer Biscotti, and also to the nurses and nurses' aides at Riverstreet Manor (Willow section), for their kindness to Stan.

Surviving in addition to his wife; are his brothers, Edward Harenza, Plymouth and Leonard Harenza, Port Griffith; sister, Josephine Radginski, Wilkes-Barre; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Helen Palivoda, Stella Breck, and Angela Kruchinsky and brothers, Andrew and Joseph Harenza.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. in St. Maria Goretti Church 42 Redwood Drive., Laflin, to be celebrated by Msgr. Neil J. Van Loon, Pastor. Everyone attending the mass is asked to go directly to the church on Wednesday morning. The Parish Rosary Group will recite the rosary at 9:30 A.M. in the church. Entombment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.

Military services will be conducted by the AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects today, Tuesday, September 2, 2014, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Baloga Funeral Home, Inc. 1201 Main Street, Pittston (Port Griffith)

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Maria Goretti Church 42 Redwood Drive., Laflin, PA 18702.