John J. "Pop" Skiba

John J. Skiba, of Oak Street, Hudson, was welcomed into the Lord's arms Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014 at The Meadows Nursing Center, Dallas, under the care of Hospice of the Sacred Heart. John recently celebrated his 82nd birthday with his family on July 20.

Born in Hudson, he was the son of the late Andrew and Clara Skiba and was a graduate of Plains High School.

Following his education, he proudly served our country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War as an Army Corporal, where he was awarded with an Army of Occupation medal in Germany, a Good Conduct medal, and a National Defense Service medal. He was a member of the Joseph E. Conlon American Legion Post 558, Plains Township.

Following his services in the war, he was employed by Topps Chewing Gum, where he worked as a mechanic for 35 years. He attended River of Life Fellowship, Lehman Township, and most recently, Cross Creek Community Church, Trucksville. Pop loved the Lord and found comfort through prayer.

Pop devoted his life to his family. He never missed an event and when it came to his grandchildren, he was their #1 fan. He was known by all members of the Back Mountain as "Pop Skiba." Pop had a genuine love for baseball and watching his grandkids play. Besides spending all of his days with his family, gardening was his favorite activity. Pop would spend numerous hours in his garden and was so proud of his famous tomatoes, which he loved to share with everyone. He was also quite the handy man and could build or fix just about anything. He also loved his three beagles, Tank, Jack, and Smoke and hunting with them and his grandson. Pop had a great love for the outdoors. He enjoyed sitting on his swing and front porch accompanied by his family, neighbors and friends.

Pop is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sharon Skiba; sister, Joan Zannetti, New Jersey; daughter, Lori Giampietro and husband John, Dallas; son, Scott Skiba and wife Karen, Hudson; grandchildren, Dr. John Giampietro Jr., Brittani Giampietro, Nicole Giampietro, Lia Giampietro and Matthew Giampietro, all of Dallas; Jill Savage, Hudson, and Amy Spinelli, Parsons; great-grandchildren: Jaeden Davis, Hudson; Ayla and Anthony Spinelli, Parsons; and the soon-to-be Kaleena; and nieces and nephews.

Pop touched the lives of so many with his love and made an ever-lasting impact on our lives. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in his honor Wednesday at Yanaitis Funeral Home, 55 Stark St., Plains Township. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 5 to 8 p.m.