Richard J. Wishnefsky, 68, of Hazle Township, Pa, passed away Sunday, April 8th, at Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest.

Richard was born in Shenandoah, on October 15, 1949, a son of the late Stella (Racis) and Charles Wishnefsky.

Richard was raised in Shenandoah where he attended J.W. Cooper High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and fought in the Vietnam War. Upon return he found the love of his life and married and raised his children in Mahanoy City.

He worked in construction as a drilling and blasting professional throughout Pennsylvania and Virginia.

A lover of all sports, he was a well known local fast pitch softball pitcher for many years and enjoyed playing basketball and golf with his friends and children. He especially enjoyed weekend getaways to Atlantic City and traveling the country to spend time with his grandchildren.

Richard was the loving husband of Mary Lou Wishnefsky and would have celebrated their 48 ^th wedding anniversary in May.

In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by a daughter, Brenda, wife of Mario Melone, of Naperville Ill; a son, Jason, husband of Selwyn Wishnefsky, of Charlotte NC; and by five grandchildren Alex, Colton, Sabrina, Layla and Stella Mae.

Richard is also survived by two sisters, Roberta Barowski, of Shenandoah Heights; Faustina Hannis, of Red Lion PA, nieces and nephews.

Richard is preceded in death by his brother Philip and infant brothers Charles and Robert.

Friends may call Thursday 6 to 8 pm at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.

Internment will be private.

Family welcomes contributions in his honor to the American Lung Association.

Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.