Stanley John Gresko, Jr.

Stanley John Gresko Jr., 77, of Huntingdon, passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at his residence. Born Dec. 23, 1948, in Bedford, he was the eldest son of the late Nellie (Koplets) Gresko and Stanley John Gresko Sr. Stanley is lovingly remembered by his children, Miranda (Dominick Jr.) Peruso of Huntingdon, and Damien (Rachel) Gresko of Malvern; and by his cherished grandchildren, Dominick III and Madeleine Peruso and Paige and Zachary Gresko. Stanley is also survived by his sister, Cathy Rankin of Six Mile Run; brother-in-law Donald Jenkins of Alberta, Canada; and sisters-in-law Vivian Foster of Six Mile Run, Janet Figard of Saxton and Kathy Gresko, of Roaring Spring, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eva Mary (Jenkins) Gresko, who passed Nov. 14, 2025, as well as his brothers, Dennis Gresko and Gregory Gresko, sister-in-law Christy Jenkins and brother-in-law Kenneth Foster. Stanley met the love of his life, Eva Mary Jenkins, when they were both juniors in high school and they continued their relationship while they were both students at Shippensburg University. They wed Feb. 7, 1970, at Immaculate Conception Church in Dudley. Their marriage was a true partnership marked by devotion, laughter and shared adventure. Together, Stanley and Eva traveled extensively, exploring destinations all over the world and creating memories that they treasured deeply. Whether near or far, Stanley’s happiest moments were those spent alongside Eva. He was also devoted to his beloved dog, Alfie, whose companionship brought him much comfort and happiness. A proud graduate of Tussey Mountain High School, class of 1966, Stanley was an accomplished student-athlete, participating in both football and wrestling. He went on to graduate from Shippensburg University in 1970, where he was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. His passion for education and mentorship led him to a lifelong career in teaching. Stanley began his teaching career in the Fannett Metal School District before serving the Tussey Mountain School District at Stonerstown and Defiance Elementary Schools. He spent the majority of his career as the head teacher and 5th/6th grade teacher at Defiance, where he positively impacted generations of students through his patience, fairness and encouragement. A dedicated coach, Stanley generously gave his time to Tussey Mountain athletics, assisting with the junior high football and wrestling, girls’ volleyball, girls’ softball and track and field teams over several decades. He was also a devoted youth baseball coach for his son’s teams and served as a wrestling official. During summers, Stanley worked as a security officer at Susquehannock Campground and later at Lake Raystown Resort. After retiring from teaching, his strong sense of duty and service continued through part-time work at the Huntingdon Walmart and as a code enforcement officer. He served multiple townships as CEO, including Penn Township — where he worked until his passing — as well as Smithfield, Walker, Barree, Brady and Clay townships. Stanley’s commitment to service extended deeply into fraternal and civic organizations. He was an active member of the Huntingdon Jaycees, Marklesburg Lions Club, Optimist Club, Kiwanis and Elks. A devoted Mason, Stanley served with distinction in numerous Masonic bodies, including Mount Moriah Lodge No. 300 (Past Master); Standing Stone Royal Arch Chapter No. 201 (Past High Priest); Huntingdon Commandery No. 65 (Past Eminent Commander); Nittany Council No. 57 (Thrice Illustrious Master); Seven Mountains Council No. 65, Allied Masonic Degrees; Chief Logan Forest No. 131 Tall Cedars of Lebanon; and the Jaffa Shrine. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Stanley served as Past Patron of Mount Union Chapter #280, Order of the Eastern Star, and was a dual member of Lewistown Chapter #283, OES. His service to the Order of the Amaranth included roles as Past Royal Patron of Juniata Valley Court #121 and Past Grand Royal Patron of Pennsylvania during 2015–2016. Despite his extraordinary commitment to his profession and community, Stanley’s greatest love was always his family. His pride and joy were found in his children and grandchildren and he never missed a game, match, dance recital, play or any other activity unless there was truly a good reason. His gentle encouragement, steady presence and uplifting words — often offered exactly when needed — will be missed beyond measure. His love for his children and grandchildren was only surpassed by his love for his bride, Eva. Stanley never met a stranger — only people he had not yet met — and his kindness, warmth and generosity of spirit will be remembered by all who knew him. Stanley’s legacy of service, leadership, devotion and love will continue to live on through the many lives he touched. Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Cutright Funeral Home — Smithfield Chapel, 313 Fairgrounds Road, Huntingdon, and a visitation at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church from 10-11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 524 Mifflin St., Huntingdon. Interment will be made privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Stanley to CHAMP (Creating Hope and Making Progress), a nonprofit, student-led organization that helps local families fighting cancer and other life debilitating diseases with financial resources when they need it most. To learn more, go to champhco.com. To donate, go to Venmo: @champhco or PayPal champhco@gmail.com or mail checks made payable to CHAMP to Huntingdon Area High School, CHAMP c/o Nicole Houck, 2400 Cassady Avenue, Unit 2, Huntingdon, PA 16652. Please add “HAHS” to the memo line. Online condolences may be shared at www.huntingdondailynews.com/obituaries.

Stanley John Gresko Jr., 77, of Huntingdon, passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at his residence.

Born Dec. 23, 1948, in Bedford, he was the eldest son of the late Nellie (Koplets) Gresko and Stanley John Gresko Sr.

Stanley is lovingly remembered by his children, Miranda (Dominick Jr.) Peruso of Huntingdon, and Damien (Rachel) Gresko of Malvern; and by his cherished grandchildren, Dominick III and Madeleine Peruso and Paige and Zachary Gresko.

Stanley is also survived by his sister, Cathy Rankin of Six Mile Run; brother-in-law Donald Jenkins of Alberta, Canada; and sisters-in-law Vivian Foster of Six Mile Run, Janet Figard of Saxton and Kathy Gresko, of Roaring Spring, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eva Mary (Jenkins) Gresko, who passed Nov. 14, 2025, as well as his brothers, Dennis Gresko and Gregory Gresko, sister-in-law Christy Jenkins and brother-in-law Kenneth Foster.

Stanley met the love of his life, Eva Mary Jenkins, when they were both juniors in high school and they continued their relationship while they were both students at Shippensburg University. They wed Feb. 7, 1970, at Immaculate Conception Church in Dudley. Their marriage was a true partnership marked by devotion, laughter and shared adventure. Together, Stanley and Eva traveled extensively, exploring destinations all over the world and creating memories that they treasured deeply. Whether near or far, Stanley’s happiest moments were those spent alongside Eva. He was also devoted to his beloved dog, Alfie, whose companionship brought him much comfort and happiness.

A proud graduate of Tussey Mountain High School, class of 1966, Stanley was an accomplished student-athlete, participating in both football and wrestling. He went on to graduate from Shippensburg University in 1970, where he was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. His passion for education and mentorship led him to a lifelong career in teaching.

Stanley began his teaching career in the Fannett Metal School District before serving the Tussey Mountain School District at Stonerstown and Defiance Elementary Schools. He spent the majority of his career as the head teacher and 5th/6th grade teacher at Defiance, where he positively impacted generations of students through his patience, fairness and encouragement.

A dedicated coach, Stanley generously gave his time to Tussey Mountain athletics, assisting with the junior high football and wrestling, girls’ volleyball, girls’ softball and track and field teams over several decades. He was also a devoted youth baseball coach for his son’s teams and served as a wrestling official.

During summers, Stanley worked as a security officer at Susquehannock Campground and later at Lake Raystown Resort. After retiring from teaching, his strong sense of duty and service continued through part-time work at the Huntingdon Walmart and as a code enforcement officer. He served multiple townships as CEO, including Penn Township — where he worked until his passing — as well as Smithfield, Walker, Barree, Brady and Clay townships.

Stanley’s commitment to service extended deeply into fraternal and civic organizations. He was an active member of the Huntingdon Jaycees, Marklesburg Lions Club, Optimist Club, Kiwanis and Elks. A devoted Mason, Stanley served with distinction in numerous Masonic bodies, including Mount Moriah Lodge No. 300 (Past Master); Standing Stone Royal Arch Chapter No. 201 (Past High Priest); Huntingdon Commandery No. 65 (Past Eminent Commander); Nittany Council No. 57 (Thrice Illustrious Master); Seven Mountains Council No. 65, Allied Masonic Degrees; Chief Logan Forest No. 131 Tall Cedars of Lebanon; and the Jaffa Shrine. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Stanley served as Past Patron of Mount Union Chapter #280, Order of the Eastern Star, and was a dual member of Lewistown Chapter #283, OES. His service to the Order of the Amaranth included roles as Past Royal Patron of Juniata Valley Court #121 and Past Grand Royal Patron of Pennsylvania during 2015–2016.

Despite his extraordinary commitment to his profession and community, Stanley’s greatest love was always his family. His pride and joy were found in his children and grandchildren and he never missed a game, match, dance recital, play or any other activity unless there was truly a good reason. His gentle encouragement, steady presence and uplifting words — often offered exactly when needed — will be missed beyond measure. His love for his children and grandchildren was only surpassed by his love for his bride, Eva.

Stanley never met a stranger — only people he had not yet met — and his kindness, warmth and generosity of spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.

Stanley’s legacy of service, leadership, devotion and love will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Cutright Funeral Home — Smithfield Chapel, 313 Fairgrounds Road, Huntingdon, and a visitation at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church from 10-11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 524 Mifflin St., Huntingdon.

Interment will be made privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Stanley to CHAMP (Creating Hope and Making Progress), a nonprofit, student-led organization that helps local families fighting cancer and other life debilitating diseases with financial resources when they need it most. To learn more, go to champhco.com. To donate, go to Venmo: @champhco or PayPal champhco@gmail.com or mail checks made payable to CHAMP to Huntingdon Area High School, CHAMP c/o Nicole Houck, 2400 Cassady Avenue, Unit 2, Huntingdon, PA 16652. Please add “HAHS” to the memo line.

Online condolences may be shared at www.huntingdondailynews.com/obituaries.

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