JAMES F. KERESTES

James F. Kerestes

James (Jim) F. Kerestes, 91, Hanover Township, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 13 following a brief illness. He was the son of the late Andrew Kerestes and Catherine Louise (Zoeller) Kerestes.

A 1950 graduate of Hanover High School, Jim went on to earn an associate in engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Elmira College. Jim led a vibrant life living and working around the northeast and in Europe. His career specialized in manufacturing and technology from developing and deploying early computer systems to managing the manufacturing of advanced materials for the aerospace industry and military. He served in positions ranging from engineering foreman to corporation president. 

An avid outdoorsman and athlete, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping trips with his brothers, brothers-in-law, nephews and son. A once-committed golfer, he prominently displayed the ball from his first hole-in-one. His engineer’s mindset was ever present as he constantly found new projects to explore. He often would design and develop plans in his spare time—without executing—just to prove a concept would work. But his true pride and joy was his family. After decades of living away, Jim returned home to Hanover Township with his family in the 1990s. His two children were his most important accomplishments; his grandson the apple of his eye. And his love for his siblings was unending. Jim would say the thing he was most proud of was being a member of the Kerestes family.

Jim is predeceased by his brothers Andrew Kerestes, John Kerestes and Francis Kerestes and sisters Dorothy L. (Kerestes) Hughes and Jean A. (Kerestes) Pisaneschi.

He is survived by his daughter Rachel Kerestes (Erich Schwarz) of Fernandina Beach, FL, son James F. Kerestes II (Erin Williams) of Muncie, IN, grandson Kurt Schwarz of Fernandina Beach, FL, brothers Joseph Kerestes, Sr. and Robert Kerestes, Sr. both of Hanover Township, several nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 noon on Monday, March 18, 2024 in St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 663 N. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre with a visitation from 11:30 am until time of service at the church. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hanover Township.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mathew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wilkes-Barre, where Jim was a lifelong member.

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