John "Bill" Schalles

1921 - 2021

John "Bill" Schalles, resident of The Meadows Manor, Dallas, passed away Sunday, March 14, 2021, after a brief illness.

Born in Nescopeck on Sept. 3, 1921, he was the son of Frank and Doretta Schalles and was the oldest of nine children. After graduation from Nescopeck High School, he entered military service. During World War II, as captain in the 60th Armored Infantry Battalion, 9th Armored Division, he saw action in the Battle of the Bulge and was part of the first unit across the Rhine River on the Remagen Bridge. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, three Battle Stars, Expert Infantry Badge and Combat Infantry Badge and the American Defense Service Ribbon. He later served in the Korean War as captain with the 145th Artillery Battalion, 10th Corps, earning the Bronze Star and Korea Service medal. John also has a commemoration at the National World War II Museum, New Orleans.

Upon leaving the military, he entered the U.S. Postal Service and retired as director of mail processing in Wilkes Barre Postal Sectional Center in 1980 after 30 years of service. Upon retirement, he served as a volunteer with the American Red Cross for over 20 years.

John and his wife of 71 years enjoyed armed forces reunion trips with former army comrades. They enjoyed Penn State football as season ticket holders for 30 years and local King's and Wilkes athletic activities.

John was as active member of Church of Christ United, Kingston, for over 65 years, serving the church in worship, youth leadership and personnel and finance committees. He was a member of the Kingston Lodge Fraternal Order of Masons, Scottish Rite, Bloomsburg, and Irem Shriners, Dallas, for over 50 years. He was also a member of the 9th Armored Division Association, Korean War Veterans of Wyoming Valley and Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.

He was predeceased by his devoted wife and companion of 71 years, Mary Elizabeth "Betty;" a son, John William; daughter, Mary Elizabeth; and siblings, Rodney and Clara Mae.

He is survived by daughter, Amy Louise Gyory, Forty Fort; son-in-law, John F. Gyory, Exeter; son, Mark Charles and his wife, Laura, Montville, N.J.; grandchildren, Michael J. and wife, Jennifer, Dallas; John Gyory Jr., Exeter; Eric Schalles, Lafayette, N.J.; and Luke Schalles, New York City; great-grandson, Miles John Gyory, Dallas; sisters, Joyce Trentholm, Nescopeck; Mary Ann Schalles, Danville; Madelyn Williams, Signal Mountain, Tenn.; Ethel Balliet, Bloomsburg; brothers, Robert (Consetta), Bethlehem; and Craig, Orangeville; and sister-in-law, Vera Jane Schalles, Bloomsburg; and the late Evelyn Crane, formerly of Kingston.

The family would like to thank Melissa, Janet, Donna, Amy and the entire team of the Meadows Manor for providing a loving and caring atmosphere for Dad for the past three years. We appreciate the attention to his needs and especially the dining room staff and maintenance men who treated him so kindly. The residents at the Manor became his new neighbors and he spoke so fondly of everyone who touched his life with love and kindness.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hugh B. Hughes & Inc. Funeral Home, Forty Fort.

A private service will be held to celebrate his life. Interment will be in Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers and donations, John would ask that you continue to perform acts of kindness.

For information or to send the family a condolence, please visit hughbhughes.com.