Mrs. Irene Dunay, 91, of Duryea, passed away peacefully Monday, August 31, 2026, at Allied Services Hospice Center, Scranton.

Irene was born April 26, 1935, in Taylor. She was the daughter of the late John and Mary Skasko Yurkanin. She was a graduate of Duryea High School, Class of 1952.

Irene met her husband, Martin, while working at Kurlancheek Furniture Co. in Duryea. They married May 26, 1957, and shared 63 wonderful years together before his passing. Together, they raised their three children and later helped raise their grandchildren.

Irene later returned to work as a cafeteria worker for the Pittston Area School District, where she was employed for more than 30 years. An excellent cook and baker, she prepared countless dishes for students and staff. She also enjoyed cooking for her family, especially holiday meals featuring her specialty, pigs in the blanket, “piggies.” She made sure no one ever left her home hungry.

She was a former member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Pittston, and a member of Communion of Saints Parish (St. John the Evangelist Church) Pittston. Irene was devoted to her faith. When she was unable to attend Mass in person, she watched the daily Mass from St. Peter’s Cathedral and prayed the Holy Rosary with Mother Angelica.

She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She loved watching “Pennsylvania Polka,” “The Lawrence Welk Show” and “Talkback 16.” When those programs were on, she was not to be disturbed.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Martin Dunay, who passed away on May 19, 2019; her brother, John Yurkanin Jr.; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Surviving are her two daughters, Dr. Darlene Ann Dunay and her husband, Anthony Wastella, Old Forge; and Renee Poveromo and her husband, Attorney Carl Poveromo, Duryea; her son, Martin Dunay and his wife, Cathy Dunay, Clarks Summit; six grandchildren, Anthony Wastella, Rachele Poveromo, Dr. Catherine Wastella, Julianne Dunay, Rhianna Dunay and Ricky Beccaloni; her sisters, Marie Kobal of Pittston and Anna Mae Dunay of Shelton, CT; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.

The love and generosity she gave her family were unconditional. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in the hearts of those who loved her.

Her family would like to thank the staff and nurses of Compass Home Health, Regional Hospital of Scranton and Allied Hospice Center for the care and compassion that was given to Irene.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 9:30 am in Communion of Saints Parish at St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William Street, Pittston with the Rev. Joseph Elston officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery, Duryea. A viewing will be held on Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main Street, Duryea. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the church the morning of the funeral. To leave an online condolence for Irene's family, please visit the funeral home website, www.piontekfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Care and Concern Ministries, 35 William St., Pittston, PA 18640.

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

Guestbook Entries

Sorry your loss.

Richard Beccalini (about 13 hours ago)

Dear Dr. Dunay, Renee and Family, Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mom. She raised and helped shape two beautiful girls into two loving compassionate strong women. Her legacy continues with both of you and your families. "May flights of Angels sing thee to her rest."

Linda Rowlands (about 21 hours ago)

Sincere condolensces to you Darlene and Anthony on the passing of your mother. May her memory always be a blessing to you andf your family.

Dr and Mrs Jeffry Lindenbaum (1 day ago)

Dr. Dunay, Renee and families - I'm sending my sincerest condolences to all of you on the passing of your Mom. May you keep her memories close in your hearts. Rest easy Mrs. Dunay.

Anne Kish (1 day ago)

So so sorry for the passing of your mother. What a beautiful tribute. Love and prayers to all.

Emma Ryzner (1 day ago)

Dr. Dunay, Renee and family. We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Our hearts are broken for you.

Donnie and Maribeth Hineline (1 day ago)

Dr Dunay and and family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother.

Sam Basta (2 days ago)

So sorry for your loss

Judy distasi (2 days ago)

so sorry for your loss

vicky pradel (2 days ago)

Dr Dunay and Renee and family , I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom , sending my deepest condolences too you and your family . God bless .

Bonnie Grochal (2 days ago)

My Condolences

Robin Pesotini (2 days ago)

What a great woman sorry for your loss

Linda farruggia (2 days ago)

So very sorry to hear about Irene’s passing. She was a real sweetheart. So loving and kind. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Paula Jones (2 days ago)

Sending my deepest sympathy. Irene was a sweetheart. I worked with her in the food service at Pittston Area.

Maria Yonki (3 days ago)

Sorry for your loss. We love and support you in your time of need.

Bernie pernot (3 days ago)

I am sorry for the loss of your Mom!

Patti Bartuska (3 days ago)

Rest In Peace Mrs. Dunay. I have many fond memories of you.

Kenneth Martin (3 days ago)

To Irene’s family … know that my sympathies are extended to you! Irene was a sweet lady that I have known for many years.. from a couple Hair Salons in town … she loved all of you very much! And will be in your hearts forever! Rest in Peace Irene!

Judy Lambert (3 days ago)

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