11/05/2025
Our deepest sympathies are with the Tranguch family as it was our privilege to have been chosen to provide comfort care for this proud Veteran, community advocate, Italian-American man of strong faith, and beloved patriarch of his family.
Benito A. Benny Tranguch, Hazle Twp, PA passed away Friday, 10/31/2025 at John Heinz Rehabilitation Center in Wilkes Barre. Born in Hazleton on February 4, 1936, he was the son of the late Michael Longy & Catherine (Crann) Tranguch.
Benny lived a full life, making the most of each day. He was the life of the party, always the performer with his wife, Nancy, as the straight man. His mantra was I’ll sleep when Im dead. He loved life and always displayed an enthusiasm that was contagious. Every place he went or activity he participated in was always described as the best!. He was an avid Nascar fan with Nancy & made his way into the pit area, which resulted in friendships and great photos of Benny with some of the Nascar drivers taken by Nancy. A highlight was when he drove a race car at Pocono Raceway. He was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan & enjoyed going to Lambeau Field with his sons to see the Packers play. He enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies. Loved the arts & traveling. Always ready for a party! Family was his priority along with a strong faith in God.
He served on the Financial Committee and as an Usher at Our Lady Of Grace Church for many years. Being involved in many social clubs, he always was the first to lend assistance and be the peacekeeper in the room. He was active in UNICO, serving as President for consecutive years and was selected as Outstanding Italian-American of the Year in 2013. Married to his true love and best friend, Nancy, for 62 years, they brought out the best in each other and served as role models for unconditional love and kindness. He said Nancy always had his heart. It was love at first sight for him.
Benny was a graduate of Hazle Twp. High School, Hazleton and proudly served in the United States Army since he came from a family of proud veterans. He worked at Tranguch Tire Service, Hazleton in the shop and in sales covering PA & NJ. Later, he took over T&F Tire Supply, Kingston, as a bankrupt business and with Nancy’s support, turned the business into a success, now run by his son, Thomas.
In addition to his parents, Benny was preceded by his wife, Nancy, son, Michael Charles, father-
in-law, Frank McKelvey, mother-in-law, Florence McKelvey, his brother, Michael Tranguch, his sister, Theresa Cusatis, brother-in-laws Charles, Thomas & Andrew McKelvey, Jack Welling, Maurice Cusatis & Joseph Bartek, sister-in-laws, Mary Catherine Welling, Margaret Simko, Margaret McKelvey, Blair McKelvey, Joann McKelvey & Mary Tranguch.
He is survived by children, Thomas (Michalene) Trucksville, Florence Hazle Twp, Catherine Amentler (Ronald) Drums, Benito Jr. Ashland MA, grandchildren Julia, Ann, Katherine & Alexander, brother, Angelo, sister, Marietta, sister-in-law, Penny Tranguch, nieces & nephews.
A visitation will be held on Sunday from 6-8 P.M. in the Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home 229 W. 12 th St., Hazleton. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 A.M. on Monday in Our Lady of Peace Parish at Our Lady of Grace Church, Hazleton. Burial will be in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery.
Special thanks to Dr. Stanley Lobitz and the staff at John Heinz Rehabilitation Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be made to stjosephscenter.org, the local chapter of the American Cancer Society & The Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
Condolences can be sent through www.moranfuneralhome.com.
Benito A. ‘Benny’ Tranguch
October 31, 2025