William “Bill” I. Holena Sr., 89, of Luzerne and formerly of Bear Creek Township, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 19, 2026.

His beloved wife was the late Helene Miller Holena, who passed away on October 29, 2007.

Born on June 30, 1937, in Swoyersville, Bill was the son of the late Ignatius and Elizabeth (Stofko) Holena.

Bill honorably served his country in the United States Army stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he dedicated the majority of his career to working as a transmission specialist at various transmission repair shops until his retirement from Goodeal Transmission in Wilkes-Barre. He was also a proud member of Pheasants Forever, the American Legion in Georgetown, and hunting clubs.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill found great joy in nature, whether he was hunting, fishing, camping, or tending to his vegetable garden. He also found great joy cooking. He was a passionate sports fan, most notably cheering on his beloved Penn State Nittany Lions, especially the football team, as well as the Philadelphia Phillies.

Bill had a deep affection for dogs, with a particular love for Labrador Retrievers. This was a trait he proudly passed down, as many of his family members share his love for the breed today.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Bill’s heart was always with his family. He especially treasured time with his grandchildren, sharing in their adventures and milestones.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to his caregiver, Katena, and his neighbor, Sue, for their exceptional support and the compassionate care they always provided.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his sons, William Holena Jr. and Daniel Holena, and his daughter-in-law, Sandra Holena.

He leaves behind a loving legacy through his devoted children: Karen Dillon (James); SMSgt. Patrick Holena, USAF (Ret.) (Alicia); Denise Onderko (Joseph); and Dr. Laura Holena, DDS; his eight cherished grandchildren, William Holena III (Kathy), Adam Holena (Danielle), Rachel Wright (Jimmy), Janelle Tempalski (Stu), Jim Dillon (Karlene), Connor Dillon, Ryan Holena (Shelby), and Lauren Holena; and his nine adored great-grandchildren, Billy IV and Brett Holena, Jocelyn Tempalski, Addison and Christopher Holena, Rory and Reagan Dillon, and Piper and Gavin Holena.

He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Zdancewicz and Elaine Baumbach, as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation which will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026 from 9 to 10:30 A.M. at the Bednarski Funeral Home, 168 Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming.

A memorial Blessing Service will begin at 10:30 A.M. with Monsignor John J. Sempa, officiating.

Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp., where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Column of Hope by visiting www.columnofhope.org or to an organization of donor’s choice.

To share a memory or message of condolence with Bill’s family, visit www.bednarskifuneralhome.com