The way it should be – West Pittston, PA

Jeffrey Kalnas had cancer, repeatedly. The last time he went into the hospital he did not come out alive. That is the way it often is – sometimes you beat it, and sometimes it comes back and beats you. The surviving family hold a funeral. Assuming, of course, there is a surviving family.

Jeffrey Kalnas was a 75 year old Navy veteran when he passed last month on January 13th. Details of his service seem to be non-existent – the main facts I could determine are that Jeffrey had no family. Nobody to attend that funeral. No grieving widow, no tall sons or loving daughters to mourn, no one. No one but the staff from his care home in Bear Creek.

“The borough was not directly involved in this event,” O’Brien-Rogers said, adding that the service was officiated by the West Pittston United Methodist Church and supported by members of the American Legion, including Commander Ron Gitkos of West Pittston American Legion Post 542.

Jeffrey Kalnas had no one. That is how they thought he would be buried, going alone into that void we all must someday enter. But word spread.

News of Jeffrey Kalnas’ death circulated locally after arrangements were made for what was expected to be a small funeral service.

Word spread quickly that the U.S. Navy veteran had no immediate family and would otherwise be buried alone, prompting a rapid response across the community. Military.com

While not much is known about his service, the community made sure he had the final salute he deserved. The American flag was folded and presented to his caregivers from Weitz Personal Care Home in Bear Creek. WNEP Wilkes-Barre

Word spread quickly that the U.S. Navy veteran had no immediate family and would otherwise be buried alone, prompting a rapid response across the community.

Within hours, veterans organizations, neighbors and residents said they felt compelled to attend. Many said they did not know Kalnas personally but believed military service alone warranted showing up.

Attendance quickly exceeded expectations. Veterans stood shoulder to shoulder with civilians, some wearing service caps and jackets, others holding small American flags. Several attendees said the turnout reflected a shared belief that no veteran should be laid to rest without recognition.  Newsbreak.com

Hundreds showed up. The church was full to overflowing. Most never knew him, didn’t know anything about him, except that he was a Navy vet who died, and would be buried,  alone.

Some wore unit jackets stitched with service patches. Others stood quietly in pews holding small American flags. Several said they did not know Jeffrey Kalnas personally but felt his service alone obligated them to attend. Newsbreak.com

Thank you, West Pittston. Kudos to American Legion post #542 for stepping up.

Jeffrrey Kalnas may have died alone without family. But he didn’t end up that way.

Category: We Remember