Edward John Potera, 96, of the Hudson Section of Plains Township, completed his life’s journey on earth and entered eternal life on Friday, January 2, 2026. He passed while in the comforting care of the Allied Services Hospice Center in Wilkes-Barre.

Born on May 11, 1929, in Swoyersville, Ed was the son of the late John and Mary Pastuzek Potera. He spent his childhood in the Swoyersville area, attending the local schools and graduating from Swoyersville High School in 1948. Ed continued his education at King’s College, where he earned two degrees, one in Library Science and the other in Education. Over the course of his life, he also completed two master’s degrees from King’s College in these same fields.

Ed devoted twenty-three years to teaching English and Spanish as a secondary education teacher at Dallas Area High School, retiring after a long and dedicated career in education. During his college years, Ed answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He was stationed with the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky, where he was assigned to the headquarters and contributed his skills in linguistics. Ed was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal upon the completion of his service.

Ed was a lifelong resident of the Hudson area, where he lived near his siblings and took part in many years of family celebrations, trips, and community events. He was an active member of St. Joseph Church of Hudson, participating in the Holy Name Society, sang in the church choir, and he enjoyed making pierogies with his St Joseph’s Church family.

In his leisure time, Ed enjoyed cooking, reading, working on crossword puzzles, and watching the television show Jeopardy.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary, and his sisters: Anna Szymanski, Phylamae Michalski, Marian Sweeda, Frances Cigarski, and Albina “Pat” Rossi.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews and their families.

Honoring Edward’s wishes, no services were held. He was laid to rest next to his sister Anna in St. Mary’s Cemetery of Swoyersville.

Arrangements were placed in the care of the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., Plains Twp.