John M. Baloga

John M. Baloga, 89, died Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011 in York Hospital, York.

Born in Krizovjany, Slovakia, John was the son of the late Stefan and Mary Humenansky Baloga. John's family immigrated to the United States when he was a young child. A former resident of Swoyersville and Shavertown, John most recently live in York with his daughter, Alice Conner.

John worked for Sordoni's as a lineman prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. He was a first lieutenant and fighter pilot for the 9th Air Force, 362nd Fighter Group, 378th Fighter Squadron. He flew more than 60 combat missions until combat injury restricted him from flight. John was awarded the Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Cluster, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with Five Bronze Stars and two Presidential Unit Citations. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart for wounds received.

John graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in marketing and economics. During his career, he worked as a business and operations manager for Pomeroy's Department Store and West Side Vo-Tech School. He taught courses at Wilkes College and retired as director of business services from Pennsylvania State University, Wilkes-Barre Campus.

An active member of Boy Scouts of America, John was a "Life Scout" and a Scoutmaster of troops in Swoyersville and Shavertown. He was active in the local Boy Scout Council as well as a recipient of its Silver Beaver Award.

Throughout his life, John volunteered for many organizations including Pennsylvanians for Human Life, the American Red Cross, to which he was a faithful blood donor, and served on the Swoyersville Planning and Recreation Commissions helping to develop three playgrounds as well as Morgan Park in Swoyersville.

John was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Therese's Church, Shavertown, and St. John Nepomucene, Swoyersville, for many years. He was a lector and Holy Name Society leader and member for more than 20 years.

He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by his wife of 43 years, the former F. Patricia Gaj; infant daughter, Patricia; and son-in-law, Troy Conner.

Surviving are sons, John D. and wife, Patricia, Rochester, N.Y.; Stephen A. and wife, Patricia, Harrisburg; Thomas C. and wife, Gayle, Goshen, NY; David P. and wife, Donna, Dallas; Joseph M., Laguna Hills, Calif.; daughter, Alice Mary Conner, York; 16 grandchildren, Tricia Ryan and husband, Brad; Jaclyn, Elizabeth, Mary, Phillip and wife, Diane; Kristin, Matthew, Lindsey Surratt and husband, Greg; Julianne, Alex and wife, Anne; Christian, Michael, Angela, John Conner, Adam Conner and Alison Conner; four great-grandchildren, Emily, Clare, Julia and a great-grandson expected soon.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday from the Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM in St. Therese's Church, Pioneer Avenue and Davis Street, Shavertown. The Rev. James J. Paisley will officiate. Interment will be made in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Swoyersville. Military honors will be accorded. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pennsylvanians for Human Life, 31 Hanover St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 or Wounded Warriors Fund of donor's choice.