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John Saba Obituary
He was born Nov. 11 in Wilkes-Barre and was the son of the late William and Marie Hawthorne Saba. He was a graduate of GAR High School, Class of 1948.
He was a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean conflict, serving as a pilot and radio operator.
He was the owner and operator of the White House Diner in Forty Fort for 45 years, where he enjoyed the laughter and stories of the many friends and families that frequented the establishment.
He was an avid fan of the Yankees, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the New York Giants.
He was a member of St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, Wilkes-Barre, George M. Dallas Masonic Lodge 531, Dallas, and Irem Temple, Dallas, where he was a member of their IGA.
He is survived by his children, Blake, Dallas; Lori and her husband, Earl, Newtown; John Jr., Dallas; Scott, Dallas; and Kelly, Dallas; grandchildren, Jonathan and his wife, Erin, Blake Jr., Lindsey, Courtney and Chloe; brother, Robert Saba; sisters, Connie Voss, Florida; Peg Malta, Wilkes-Barre; Dorothy Obeid, Florida; Lillian McManus, Dallas; and Carol Hershey, North Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Dolores Eileen Mushinski Saba.
The funeral will be held at the convenience of the family from Mamary-Durkin Funeral Service, 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Saba
Maryann Storz
September 15, 2014
My condolences to you and your family.
Rita D'Amario Kapson
September 14, 2014
To the Saba Family,
I met your Dad and Mom when I was just 17 years old. We lived next door and they were wonderful neighbors. You Dad was such a handsome gentle man and I will never forget how kind both of your parents were! May God bless you at this difficult time. I will certainly keep your family in my prayers! RIP John!
September 14, 2014
my condolences to the saba family morgan phillips raleigh nc.
Lynnette Ashley
September 10, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Saba family, especially to my dear friend Lori. You are in my thoughts and prayers!!
Michael & Nancy Mony
September 10, 2014
To The Entire Saba Family. All of our condolence's and prayer's are with your family at this time of need. John was truly a Man's Man, and God knows there are not to many of them left. Tom Leary was right, he was a father to most of us who went to the Whitehouse diner at a young age. My first time when I was 12 years old w/ my hero my dad Louis. John was filled with so much wisdom, and he had a zest for life that most people can only wish for, but never attain. So it is with a heavy heart that this entire valley say's goodby to this MARINE. "SEMPER FI" Sincerely,
Paul D.
September 10, 2014
My Condulances to John Jr., and the Entire family.
September 9, 2014
Will miss you Uncle John. I will always remember Xmas in your basement with the trains:)
Thomas Leary
September 9, 2014
Your father was like a father to me. I always enjoyed being in his company and he had a sincere love of life and particularly children We enjoyed the same loyalty to the Irish, Yankees and Giants . He was so open to everyone ,the young, the old and to those who were perceived as different. He quite naturally achieved a great loyalty from friends and a respect from just about everyone who crossed his path. There is one simple truth about his life_ he made the world a better place by his presence. So to my friend John who truly inspired me I offer to you the Irish Blessing May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be at your back, and until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his Hand. Love You, Tom
Bill Rolland
September 9, 2014
To the Saba Family,
You certainly know that your dad/ granddad/uncle, was a fine man who enjoyed the frienship of many. I think we can agree that he was a blessed man who thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated his family.
I believe the diner was just an extension of his many positive traits. He made it the "Cheers" of Wyoming Valley. I recall his excitement when "Rocket" Ismail visited for breakfast and the pride he took in the autograhed football your mom arranged for him that Christmas.
Like all of us, John had challenges in his life. However, if you would allow an observation from an outsider, I think he lived a fulfilled life and all of you are evidence of that.
May Christ strengthen you at this time and may you rejoice in the fact that he was with you for eighty plus years.
Your friend,
Dot Obeid
September 9, 2014
Blake, Lori, John, Scott, and Kelly,
Sorry we can't be there in your time of grief. Your dad was the big brother who watched over me when I was young. He will always have a special place in my heart. With the passing of time your grief will be replaced with loving memories.
Love you always,
Aunt Dot
Mark Carmon
September 9, 2014
Mr. Saba was an original and he will certainly be missed by his family and his extended family from the White House. My dad and I had many good times and laughs there, mostly at our expense. You couldn't walk in there without some good-natured abuse. Thank you for the great hot dogs and more importantly the great memories. Rest In Peace Mr. Saba.
Terry Sutton
September 9, 2014
Kelly,Chloe and family...I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. Will be praying for you and thinking of you in this sad time. Hold on to the memories and each other.
September 9, 2014
Kelly, Chloe, and family so sorry to hear about your loss. I know how much your parents meant to all of you. Memories are what we all need to hold on too. love to all, Kim Rome
ANDY MAMARY
September 9, 2014
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY, JOHN WAS A GREAT GUY, ALWAYS LAUGHING & JOKING, HE WILL SURELY BE MISSED, MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE
Malcolm Brunges
September 9, 2014
Sorry for your loss .I really liked John and the white house. I loved that meatloaf and John. I went there with Dave Edwards as a young man.He will be missed. God be with your family at this time.
Lorraine Alles
September 9, 2014
Kelly, Chloe and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad/grandfather's passing. Kelly - we we just talking about our parents last week. I will miss seeing him cut the grass. Such sad news. God Bless.
Kevin McHale
September 9, 2014
To the entire Saba family, I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom Considine
September 9, 2014
Blake and the entire Saba Family,
My condolences on your loss. My God's peace comfort you and your families during this difficult time.
September 9, 2014
Blake & family, I am sorry to hear about your dad. The memories you have will be with you always. He was well liked by everyone. Sorry about your loss. Josie
Brent Spiegel
September 9, 2014
My dad and I enjoyed many a good time with John at the White House Diner. Thanks for the great memories.
Mike McFadden
September 9, 2014
Sincere condolences to John's family. A great family man and heart and soul of the Whitehouse Diner. His friendliness and quick wit made the Whitehouse a daily stop for many. RIP my friend.
Lisa
September 8, 2014
We will miss you Uncle John.
Bonnie Wharton
September 8, 2014
Uncle John, we loved you dearly. I will always remember when I was small he took me to the ocean with his family. I also remember how he threw me into Harvey's Lake to try to get me to swim..it didn't work..many wonderful memories..the Christmas trees that wouldn't fit through the door.. To My Cousins, hold on to the wonderful memories you have and continue to make memories with your families. That is what he would want. Love, cousin Bonnie and Joe Wharton.
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