Obituary of Edward Luke Chukinas

Time to say goodbye. Edward Luke Chukinas, passed peacefully into eternal life on Friday, February 24, 2023. Born in Kingston on May 31, 1928. Ed was one of eight children of the late George and Jennie Tomashurio Chukinas of Luzerne. Ed grew up in Luzerne residing on Union Street. He attended local school and was a graduate of the Pringle High School Class of 1946. Ed was a really talented pitcher in his younger days and was able to try out for the Philadelphia Athletic Club. Unfortunately, they didn't sign him, but he didn't give up his passion for baseball. He worked as an accomplished carpenter and general contractor for over sixty-five years in his life. He was a skilled woodworker in cabinet making and many trade skills involved in home construction. In 1952, Ed exited a trolley car in Scranton with his friends heading to a dance and that is when he met Joan A. Kodaski. After three years of courting, they were married on January 29, 1955. The loving couple spent the next sixty-three years together. They raised two children JoAnn and Edward Jr. When the kids were growing up Ed always said, “She is your mother, but she is my girl.’ When Ed was at home, he enjoyed his yard, especially in the summertime. He tended to his garden and fruit trees that lined his yard. Ed was very active in the community and was a member of the Plains Rotary Club for several years. He will be remembered as a dedicated and loving husband to his late wife; a caring father to his children, and a loving grandfather and great grandfather. Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Joan; sisters: Helen Hruska, Gertrude Chukinas, and Wilma Orichak; brothers: George, Albert, Joseph, and Stephen. Mr. Chukinas is survived by his daughter JoAnn Chukinas, Plains; son Edward Chukinas Jr., Plains; grandson Bradley and his companion Lisa, Bear Creek; granddaughter Megan Leva and her husband Daniel, Roxbury, NJ; great grandson Carson Leva; great granddaughter Hallie Leva, both of Roxbury, NJ; along with nieces and nephews. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation and funeral service held at the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark Street, Plains, on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 11:00 a.m. Service will be officiated by Rev. Tom Davies. Interment with the Rite of Committal will be held in Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Plains Twp. "Grief is the price we pay for love."- Queen Elizabeth II