Mr. Donald P. Wasta, 85, of Duryea, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, after a determined struggle with Parkinson's disease, surrounded as he lived, by his family.

Don or Donnie, as he was fondly called, was born in Duryea the son of the late Andrew and Anna Mae Orloski Wasta on November 17, 1938.

He was a member of Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Duryea.

Don was a natural athlete. There was not a sport in which he did not excel. Football, #38 in High School, softball, water and snow sliding and his favorite place to be with his grandson and friends on the golf course. Later in his grandson's life, they created their own competitive sport which they named The Triple Crown.

Don was also well known as a business owner. Along with his wife, they owned, operated and made life long friendships at Pappy's, Springbrook as well as Komensky's Market, Duryea until their retirement.

Don's most treasured moments came from time spent with his family. He was the true definition of a family man. His patience, understanding and unconditional love made him an unrivaled husband and best friend, the ultimate girl's dad, as well as the greatest Pop and best pal. He left us with heavy hearts, but filled with priceless memories of love and laughter that will be cherished forever.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Andrew and Paul Wasta.

Don is survived by his High School sweetheart and wife of 64 years, Judy Hadley Wasta.
Daughter, Sharri Dructor and her partner, Jerry Wells, of Duryea
Grandson and best pal, Bill Dructor and his fiancee, Corie Clark of Pittston
Sister in law, Roselyn Wroblewski of Duryea
Sister in law, Karen Sobeski of Duryea
Sister in law, Linda Wasta of New Jersey
Sister in law, Barbara Wasta of Suscon
Along with many cousins, nieces and nephews

The family would like to thank the kind and compassionate people they met through Hospice of the Sacred Heart, especially Candy and Dana. Dana was our special angel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 10:00 am in Holy Rosary Church, 127 Stephenson Street, Duryea with the Rev. Michael Bryant officiating. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. A viewing will be held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 100 William Street, Dunmore, PA 18510 or Rock Steady Gym (for Parkinson's Disease), 1 Maxson Drive, Old Forge, PA 18518. Arrangements are by the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main Street, Duryea. To leave an online condolence for Don's family, please visit the funeral home website, www.piontekfuneralhome.com.

PLEASE NOTE: YOUR ONLINE CONDOLENCE WILL NOT APPEAR UNDER THE GUESTBOOK ENTRIES UNTIL IT IS APPROVED BY THE FUNERAL HOME

Guestbook Entries

Judy: Sincere sympathy on Don's passing. I regret I was out-of-town skiing at the time of his viewing and funeral liturgy. I fondly recall his many kindnesses to me family and me at Falls, bringing fresh meat and kielbasi to our cottage. He was always so accomodating. Noted, too, were the many conversations you had with my Mom as she relaxed in the yard, admiring the flowers. Condolences to Sherri and Bill. R.I.P.

Richard Fitzsimmons (about 1 month ago)

So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers are with the entire family.

Mark L. Kuniegel (3 months ago)

Thinking of you and wishing you peace , comfort and hope in this time of sadness.

Gloria, Al and Matthew Echalk (3 months ago)

payers for Family Donnie was a good man, GOD BLESS.

andy rusinchak (3 months ago)

I am so Sorry for your Loss Judy and Shari...My Thoughts and Prayers are with you all ..My Condolences to the whole Family. .

Marianne Sauter-Trotta (3 months ago)

My sympathies and prayers are with the family. Donnie was a straight up good man.

Michael Rostkowski (3 months ago)

Aunt Judy, Sharri, and Billy, my mom, my kids, and I send our deepest sympathies to you. Uncle Don's good-natured teasing and open door policy for my friends and I during picnic season made him a favorite among us all. His was a life well lived and we will miss him.

Stacey Atkinson (3 months ago)

To Wasta family my deepest condolences some my best years growing up was hunting with don and my father on your property

Pat Hadley (3 months ago)

My deepest sympathy,Don was a great man.

John Adonizio (3 months ago)

Dear Judy, Sharri and family, our sincere condolences and prayers . May he rest in peace.

George and Diane Zevan (3 months ago)

My sincere condolences to Judy and your family. He is an angel watching down on his family. Keeping you and your family in my prayers at this difficult time.

Denise Gosse Crolly (3 months ago)

Our heartfelt condolences go out to your family at this difficult time. May he rest easy.

Paula and Joe Boyko (3 months ago)

Judy and family my condolences for your loss. Always enjoyed the time I spent with you and Don at pappys during the dart league years. Your friendship and hospitality will always be remembered. you are in are thoughts and prayers.

Michael J Magda (3 months ago)

Our heartfelt condolences to the whole family. Don was a light in our lives for many years and the most wonderful neighbor.

The Parrent Family (3 months ago)

Sincere condolences Judy and family. Don was a great guy and wildcat, may he rest in peace.

Bob Maziarz (3 months ago)

It was always a blessing to be in the presence of Donnie, who set an example for us all and inspired us to be better people. Judy, Sharri and Bill, sending you my deepest condolences and love. Rest In peace now, Donnie.

Dan Orloski (3 months ago)

We are so very sorry for your tremendous loss to you Judy & family. May God give you comfort and peace as you navigate your grief.

Ann Engleman and family (3 months ago)

Sharri, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing.

Kathleen (Scott) Patton (3 months ago)

So sorry for your loss Donny was a great guy and great friend

Robert webb (3 months ago)

Dear Judy, Very sorry to hear of the passing of Donnie. I will always remember him as an outstanding football player at Duryea High School and captain of the team. Please accept my heartfelt condolences . Most Sincerely , Bernie Stiroh

Bernie Stiroh (3 months ago)

We are so sorry for your loss. What beautiful memories of your family life you will cherish forever. Donnie was a truly nice man and gentleman.

Pauline and Jerry Reedy (3 months ago)

Sorry to read of Donny passing. . Had good times while growing up with him as a friend and neighbor. Pleas accept my most sincere condolences.

Arnie Urban (3 months ago)

Judy and family , I am so sorry to hear of Dons passing . God bless you all .

Donna kunda (3 months ago)

Donnie was a stand up guy, one of a kind. He had a strong loyalty and love for his family, a true example of what it takes to be a great person.I will miss him, but he'll be in my heart forever. Rest in peace Don.

Debbie Orloski (3 months ago)

I am so sorry for your loss.....How much Allan and I enjoyed our visits every year during Germania picnic....He is in my prayers

Szewczyk Terri (3 months ago)

Our sympathy and prayers to everyone who knew and loved Mr Wasta … his obituary says it all about this nice man! Rest in peace!

Judy and Tom Lambert (3 months ago)

God bless your family he was always good to me and my dad. May he rest in peace. Love you all.

Leonard Hadley (3 months ago)

I am very sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences. May God bless

Paul Degillio (3 months ago)

My deepest condolences to Judy, Sharri and Bill. Don was more then a cousin, him and Judy were more like a second set of parents to me when I was growing up. Sharri is my "sister". Find comfort in knowing Don lived a great life surrounded by his loving family/

Mary Ann Kozar (3 months ago)

Sincere Condolences Judy Sharri and Family. Don was a class guy, friendly and very likeable. Great athlete and a true Duryea Wildcat. May he rest in peace and May God take him under his wing !

William Kasulis (3 months ago)

Sue

Sue Lapinski (3 months ago)

Judyvand Sherri please accept my condolences my prayers are with you

(3 months ago)

God bless you Judy, Sharri, Billy and family. Remember all the good times and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sherrie Herout (3 months ago)

I am so deeply saddened and incredibly sorry for your loss. Rest easy, Donnie. Love you, buddy

Christine Osborn (3 months ago)

We are extremely sorry to hear of the passing of ‘ poppa ‘ rest in peace my friend

Joe and kathy schmidt (3 months ago)

I'm so very sorry for your loss Thoughts and prayers sent to his family and friends Don was truly a wonderful person

Bernadine Hoover (3 months ago)

So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

Joe and Karen Thompson (3 months ago)

My sincere condolences to the Wasta family . One of my father’s oldest friends. My god keep and bless your family during this time.

Kimberly Cardamone (3 months ago)

Judy, I am so sorry to read that Don lost his battle. He fought long and hard but now he’s at peace. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Helen Negvesky (3 months ago)

My sincere sympathy to you Judy & your family. Donnie & I were 2nd cousins although distance & circumstances didn’t allow a relationship. The obituary was beautiful & how I remembered Donnie in high school. Again my sincere sympathy to you & your family.

Donald Wasta (3 months ago)

My sincere condolences to you Judy & your family. Donnie & I were 2nd cousins however distance kept us from being closer. The obituary was beautiful & depicted exactly how I remember him in high school. Again my sincere sympathy to you & your family.

Donald Wasta (3 months ago)

God bless you Judy Sharri and family. Great athlete and high school friend .

John Polaski (3 months ago)

Dear Wasta family, please accept my sincerest sympathies on Donald' passing. May he rest in peace now, free from illness.

Ellen Scatena (3 months ago)

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