ANDREW J. PETYAK

Andrew J. Petyak, Jr., 71, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away suddenly on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Andrew was a proud graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree from Wilkes College. He dedicated his professional life to education, teaching German and History at East Pennsboro Area High School in Enola, PA, for 41 years, from September 1978 until his retirement in June 2019. Andrew was not only a teacher, but a devoted mentor and advocate for his students—always cheering them on in their academic and extracurricular pursuits. His passion for teaching and deep care for his students left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Andrew enjoyed reading, collecting stamps, gardening, and traveling. He had a particular fondness for Germany, where he made many close friends over the years. While he wasn’t committed to any professional sports teams, he was a faithful supporter of high school athletics, rarely missing a game at East Pennsboro Area High School or his alma mater, G.A.R.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Petyak and her husband Will Byrnes of Wilkes-Barre; cousins James Daley, Arthur Daley, and Walter Connor.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Andrew J. and Mary (Connor) Petyak, and his brother, John Petyak.

Funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 10:30 am from the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. with a  Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 a.m. in St. Andrew's Parish, St. Patrick's Church, 316 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre, with Rev. Vincent Dang officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Andrew will be dearly missed by all who knew him, especially the many students and sister whose lives he touched with kindness, encouragement, and dedication.

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