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John Novelli Obituary
Born and raised in Mocanaqua, he was the son of the late John Sr. and Sophie Kita Novelli.
John was a graduate of the former Shickshinny High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957.
He was an active and dedicated member of Holy Spirit Parish/St. Mary's Church, Mocanaqua, not only as a parishioner but as the first volunteer at many of the church functions such as St. Mary's picnic, making pierogis and opening and closing the church. Often known as "the candle man," he distributed and took care of the candles in the cemetery.
He was a member of the Polish Falcons of Mocanaqua, where he was chief counselor, advisor and comedian as the club's bartender.
John was employed for many years by Wise Foods, eventually retiring and taking on the school guard position for Nanticoke Area schools.
He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by his wife, Marie.
Surviving are three children, Linda Reilly and her husband, Bud, Forty Fort; Lisa Umbra and her husband, William, Plains Twp.; and Lori Pond; a sister, Theresa Novelli, Mocanaqua; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many cousins and friends.
John enjoyed church bazaars, church functions, driving members of the community to appointments, and polka dancing, where he can still be seen on WVIA TV. He and his wife, Marie, won many awards for their dancing.
Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday from Mayo Funeral Home Inc., 77 N. Main St., Shickshinny, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Spirit Parish/St. Mary's Church, Mocanaqua.
Family and friends are asked to call at the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Sacred Heart and Sinclair nursing services for their exceptional care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wilkes-Barre YMCA's LIVESTRONG program for cancer survivors.
For information, or to send condolences, please visit www.mayofh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Novelli
Lisa O'Leary
August 9, 2020
My earliest memories include the Novelli family. My grandparents lived across the yard from John (we called him "Sonny") and Theresa's wonderful parents John and Sophie. Theresa and Sonny were like younger siblings to my mother and uncle. Sonny and Marie's daughters were my playmates. One of my favorite memories was Christmas Eve when at some point Nonna's back door would open and Sonny would walk in bearing cookies that his mother had made. Not just a few cookies....Sonny had two huge bags full of taralle. Like 40 dozen. He cleverly nicknamed my dad "Irish." Never called him by his name, just "Irish." He and Marie were class acts. And everyone was blessed by his kindness and generosity.
Pat O'Donnell, Johnny & God Son, Tom
Tom Donohue
November 16, 2017
Uncle Johmmy and his God Son Tommy Donohue at Woodsie's service
Tom Donohue
November 16, 2017
Uncle Johnny, my God Father, thank you for loving me and always making feel part of the family. You and Aunt Marie are dearly loved and missed. May God watch over the family and may Aunt Marie have the polka playing ready to dance your way through the gates of Heaven I'll miss you my WISE potato chip man. XOXOXO
Nancy Valunas
November 15, 2017
Dear Linda,
My condolences to you and your family.
Ashlee Parlante
November 15, 2017
Mr. Novelli was a very kind man. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love the family's way!
Joyce Hudak
November 15, 2017
Dear Theresa, So sorry for the passing of your brother. Looks like he was a great guy. You and all your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Joyce Hudak
November 15, 2017
He is polka dancing free with Marie in Heaven. You all did your best to help your dad through these years that is why is fought so hard to stay with his family on earth. Now let's celebrate his life with tears of joy as no more pain for his former soldier as he now marches in God;s army of Peace. xox Karel
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Mayo Funeral Home, Inc. - Shickshinny77 North Main Street, Shickshinny, PA 18655
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