FUNERAL HOME

Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home

89 Park Ave

Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania

John Smurl Obituary

John James Smurl of Wilkes-Barre passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 22, 2017, surrounded by his family.

"Jack" was born in Wilkes-Barre on Dec. 19, 1942, to the late John and Mary Smurl. He was a 1959 graduate of St. Mary's High School of Wilkes-Barre after which he enlisted in the United States Navy. There he served as a Naval Hospital Corpsman with the official title of Neuropsychiatric Technician. He proudly served his country from June 1960 until his honorable discharge in 1965. He then sought employment at Topps Chewing Gum for 31 years with his last position being Production Planning Supervisor. He retired from Lord & Taylor in June 2004 as a Loss Prevention Associate.

He married his best friend and love of his life Janet Dmohoski Smurl on Dec. 28, 1968. They were happily married 48 years. Before his passing, he said his biggest regret was not being able to reach the golden wedding anniversary with his soul mate.

He was a devout Catholic and member of Holy Rosary Church, Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre and most recently St. Leo's/Holy Rosary Church, Ashley. He was a life member and firm believer in the NRA. He served as a member and secretary of the Lions Club while living in West Pittston. For many years, he was an active Booster Club member for both Wyoming Area and GAR high schools. He spent endless hours at his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, plays, concerts, art shows and awards programs, cheering them on. He enjoyed camping, fishing with his brothers-in-law, trips to Gettysburg, and "date night in the back forty" with his bride. He was an avid college football fan, especially Notre Dame and West Virginia, where he proudly supported his grandson. He loved old school NBA with Larry, Magic, Jordan and Havlicek when they played "real basketball." Also, we must not fail to mention that he could fix anything with a few pieces of duct tape!

He was preceded in death by his father, John F. Smurl; mother, Mary T. Mulhern Smurl; sister, Elizabeth A. Yanovitch; and grandson, Michael John Glowinski.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Dawn Glowinski; Heather Engle and husband ,Chad; Shannon Pietroski and husband, Edward; and Carin Smurl and fiancé, Scott Parsons. He took great pride in his grandchildren Mark Glowinski, 25; Zachary Gonzalez, 19; Jarod Engle, 17; Gillian Sokoloski ,16; Emily Engle, 14; and Andzia Pietroski,7. Jack said that "God never gave me much money, but he gave me the most beautiful grandchildren." Jack is also survived by his niece and goddaughter, Sharon Yanovitch and fiancé, Andrew Rebilas; Michael Yanovitch and wife, Jennifer; Patrick Yanovitch and wife, Kathy; William Yanovitch and wife, Karen; Christopher Moughan and wife, Nicole; Jennifer Murphy and husband, Patrick; and Gregory and Bradley Dmohoski.

He will be greatly missed by his faithful fur companion, Clyde, who never left his side.

Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday from Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 9:30 a.m. in St. Leo's/Holy Rosary Church, 33 Manhattan St., Ashley. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Twp.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to The Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675-8517.

Condolences may be sent by visiting John's obituary at www.natandgawlas.com.

Published by Citizens Voice from Jun. 25 to Jun. 26, 2017.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for John Smurl

Not sure what to say?





"As long as hearts remember,
As long as hearts still care,
We never part with those we love,
They're with us everywhere."

To Carin and Family,
My condolences to you at this time. May the memories you have of your loved one, bring peace and comfort to you now and always.

Marc Janssen

June 28, 2017

Christopher (Beef) Moughan and family,
So very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time.

A. Friend.

June 27, 2017

Sorry to hear of Jacks passing. You lost a loving husband, caring father and a adoring grandfather. I lost a best friend and my best man , he will always be in my memory and my prayers.

Earl Ruddy

June 26, 2017

Dear Janet & family, we are so saddened to hear of Jack's passing. Please accept our sincerest sympathy & know you are covered in prayer during this difficult time.

Dom & Colleen (DiMaggio) DallaVerde

June 26, 2017

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Carin Smurl

June 26, 2017

To Heather and the rest of the Smurl family,

So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing ! He was a great guy . You are all in my thoughts and prayers . Now you all have an angel watching over you . RIP Jack

Laura Shultz

June 25, 2017

Dear Janet,
So sorry to hear of Jack's passing,my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Jack was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Paulette Psolka

June 25, 2017

Karin, Shannon, and the Smurl family:

I was so sorry to hear that your father passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time.

Betty Lou Connell

June 25, 2017

Dear Janet and family, my heart is broken for you. Jack was a great guy, a good neighbor and friend to me and my kids. He will be greatly missed. Just know that so many loved him. Now he's your angel. He will watch over you and your family from above. RIP Jack

Terry Ritts

June 25, 2017

Tom and Erica

June 25, 2017

Mrs. Smurl and family, my deepest sympathy and prayers to you as you go through saying "goodbye" to such a kind and wonderful man. He will always be in your hearts and watching over you.

Renee Krzywicki

June 25, 2017

Deborah & Arne Johnson

June 25, 2017

Our deepest sympathy to the Smurl family. With love and prayers always. Arne and Deborah Johnson

June 25, 2017

So very sorry for your loss. I graduated with John (Jackie) in '59, he was such a nice school mate, and looks like he became a wonderful man, his looks never changed. I was married at S.M.Church the same day as his sister Betty, in '61. We shared cost of altar flowers. Memories, nice ones, R.I.P John.

Evelyn (Toraitis) Prosachik

June 25, 2017

Dear Dawn and family,
My heart felt condolences to all of you during this time of need. Prayers for all of you for strength and guidance. May Dad rest in peace. Love, Pattie

Pattie Reslan

June 25, 2017

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Funeral services provided by:

Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home

89 Park Ave, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702

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