John A. Wanko

John A. Wanko passed away peacefully on February 6, 2024, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. He was born in Bayonne to the late Lydia (nee: Perhach) and Andrew Wanko and was a long-time Bayonne resident, prior to relocating to Tinton Falls.

A graduate of Jersey City State College and Seton Hall University, Mr. Wanko was employed by the Bayonne Board of Education for 46 years, serving as a teacher and guidance counselor. He later became a beloved principal for 26 years, known throughout the schools for his famous, musical ties. 

He was a devoted member of the Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church community, where he served as President and Trustee. He was a Past President of the Carpatho-Russian American Citizens Club, a member of the St. John’s Society Lodge #100, and served as President of the NJ State RBO from 1966 to 1976. John later became the president of the national RBO, serving for 20 years. He was also active in many other organizations including the Bayonne Employees Federal Credit Union, the Bayonne Council Boy Scouts of America and the Bayonne Board of Adjustment.

A devoted family man, John loved nothing more than cruising the high seas with his loved ones. Always the life of the party, he bestowed his love of travel, dining, and new experiences upon his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. John was predeceased by his loving daughter, June Ann Bianchini. He is survived by his beloved wife, Helen (nee: Grudinoff) Wanko; his loving son, Stephen Wanko, and his wife, Deborah; his dear son-in-law, Kenneth Bianchini; his cherished grandchildren, Larissa Canova, and her husband Matthew, Kenneth John Bianchini, and his wife, Danielle, Lauren Petronko, and her husband, Nicholas, and Lindsay Wanko, and her spouse, Kimberly; his adoring great-grandchildren, Keira, Mia, Leila, Bella, Ava, Landon, Lawson, Andie and Beckett; his dear siblings, Dr. Michael A. Wanko, and his wife, Justine, and Hope Grabowski, and her late husband, Joseph; and many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grand nephews.

The funeral will be conducted by Bayonne Memorial Home, Inc. on Saturday, February 10, 2024. A funeral Liturgy will be held at Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church at 9:45 a.m. followed by interment at Rosedale Cemetery, Linden. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Panichida will take place at 5:30 p.m.

Donations may be made to Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 98 West 28th Street, Bayonne, NJ 07002. 

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