He had no family left. Hundreds of strangers showed up anyway.
The funeral service for Jeffrey Kalnas, a U.S. Navy veteran, was held Wednesday in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, after word spread locally that he would otherwise be buried alone. The service, officiated at First United Methodist Church West Pittston, drew hundreds of residents, veterans and community members who came to ensure Kalnas received public recognition for his military service.
West Pittston Borough Secretary Kendra-lee O’Brien-Rogers told Military.com that the borough itself did not organize the event but pointed to community and veterans groups that stepped in.
“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.
Military.com reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs for comment as the turnout grew.
Strangers Answer the Call
Kalnas had several bouts of cancer. For his most recent bout, he went in for surgery and never made it out of the hospital, personal care homeowner Jennifer Mayehue told local ABC affiliate WNEP.
“We always try to do something for anybody that doesn’t have family,” ” Mayehue said. “I just feel that it’s respectful, and everybody should be acknowledged in their passing.”
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.
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.
“Thank you to ALL for answering the call and coming to the memorial service tonight for Navy veteran Jeffrey Kalnas, to stand in the gap for someone who had no family or friends to do so…your presence spoke volumes! You gave this veteran the gift of being remembered, honored, and laid to rest with love. In showing up, you reflected God’s compassion and reminded us that no one is ever truly alone. God bless each and every one of you!” the church posted on Facebook on Jan. 28.
Veterans in attendance said the turnout reflected a shared sense of responsibility rooted in military service, one that does not end when uniforms come off or years pass.
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.
Attendees described the gathering as a final salute, not just from fellow veterans but from a community that refused to let a service member be buried without recognition. Families and funeral directors can request military funeral honors through established Defense Department channels.
They Refused to Stay Home
The packed church sent a clear message about how this community views military service.
Even without family in the pews, Jeffrey Kalnas was not alone. Veterans and civilians alike said showing up was a way to honor a service member who no longer had anyone to speak for him.
Several attendees said the turnout was not just about one funeral but about a shared responsibility to remember those who served. Information on burial and memorial benefits remains available for eligible veterans and families through the VA system.
Read the full article here
