Joseph J. "J-Bird" Bennick

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph J. "J-Bird" Bennick of Wilkes-Barre after a well fought battle against cancer for a number of years. Jay passed at the home of his dear friends Nancy Mesh and Michael Decker, who had been caring for him in his final days.  Born in Wilkes-Barre on Thursday, May 26, 1966, he celebrated his 60th birthday just two weeks ago.

He was the elder of two sons to the late Joseph M. and Patricia C. (Kuhl) Bennick.  Educated in the city schools, Jay was a 1984 graduate of the former Grand Army of the Republic Memorial High School, Wilkes-Barre where he was a member of the track, cross country and basketball teams. 

A kind soul who loved his family and friends, he was always there to help anyone in need. His proudest moment was completing the Philadelphia Marathon while only in the tenth grade.  An avid sports fan, he loved the Boston Celtics, the San Francisco Giants and was known to all as the "official 12th man" of the east coast fan club to the Seattle Seahawks football team.

He enjoyed collecting anything related to them, saying his life "was complete" in 2013 witnessing their victory in the Super Bowl that year.  Most recently, Jay worked as a cook and delivery driver for then Frank's Pizzeria now Franco's Ristorante of Wilkes-Barre.

In his spare time, he enjoyed going to concerts and sporting events.  Besides Nancy and Michael, he leaves behind his younger brother Jon, whom he considered his best friend. He was filled with pride watching his cousin Amanda play her little league games, especially when she was voted MVP on his 52nd birthday; the best gift he could have asked for. He was so proud of her.  Jay was preceded in death by his mother, Mrs. Patricia C. (Kuhl) Bennick on October 8, 2016. The family would later bid farewell to his father, Mr. Joseph M. Bennick on December 14, 2022. 

Besides his brother Jonathan R. Bennick and his fiancée, Lisa Cullen at home, Jay is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and the countless friends he has made over the years. He will be greatly missed by many but never forgotten. 

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the entire staff at Geisinger Oncology at the Henry Cancer Center, especially "Super Dave", Kim and most of all, Dr. Adjei for the professionalism, kindness and compassion given to him over the years. 

Funeral services for Jay will be conducted on Friday at 9:15 a.m. from the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, followed by his funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Nicholas-Saint Mary Parish, 226 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre. The Reverend Joseph D. Verespy, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.  Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Mary's Diocesan Cemetery, 1594 South Main Street, Hanover Township. 

Relatives and friends may join the Bennick family for visitation and shared remembrances Thursday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of floral tributes, Jay previously requested memorial donations be made in his memory to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society.  Links for both organizations are listed below.  Those wishing to share online words of comfort or a fond memory of Jay with his brother Jon are encouraged to do so here on his memorial page. Thank You.

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