John “Stanky” Stankovic, 89, of the Hanover Section of Nanticoke, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025. Born at home on Phillip Street, in the Hanover Section of Nanticoke, on May 4, 1936, he was a son of the late Joseph and Anna Shambora Stankovich.
The Nanticoke polka legend began performing on the accordion as a child. It turned his talent into an eight-decade career where his music filled church bazaars, festivals, television screens, and even cruise ships.
In addition to playing locally for years, Stankovic performed across the globe, bringing the local Nanticoke polka sound to audiences worldwide. He was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2019.
Stanky was a graduate of Nanticoke High School, Class of 1954. He was a star athlete, excelling in baseball and basketball, playing for the Nanticoke League, Wilkes-Barre Barons, and trying out for the Cleveland Indians.
He began a humble career as a ragman, as well as his beginning, what would become a lifelong career as a musician at the age of 9. Stanky became a nationally known and tremendously loved Polka musician for 80 years, playing all over the world, including: two world fairs, five continents, and the 50th anniversary of the Korean War at Osan Air Force Base in South Korea, and HBO Television.
He recorded over 20 albums with his band, “Stanky, and the Coal Miners.” He enjoyed fishing and mushroom picking and could be known as the best storyteller in the world. He had a love of food and travel, but most of all cherished the time spent with family and friends.
Stanky was a member of St. Faustina Kowalska Parish, Nanticoke, and formerly St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, prior to the consolidation of the parishes.
He was a member of the International Polka Association and was inducted into its hall of fame in 2019. In 2025, John was also inducted into the Luzerne County Arts and Entertainment Hall of Fame. He also belonged to the Nanticoke Lions Club, and was a member of the Hanover Fire Company #4, Hanover Section, for over 70 years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Wegrzynowicz Stankovic, with whom he celebrated their 63rd anniversary on June 2, 2025; two daughters, Kimberly Bukowski, and son-in-law, and Deborah Horoschock, (late husband, Vinny Horoschock); grandchildren, Ashley Michaels and her husband, Jeffrey, Alex Bukowski, and Trevor Bukowski; a brother, Joe Stanky, and his wife, Corrine; and all the many fans throughout the world.
