John James Smurl

John James Smurl of Wilkes-Barre passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 22, 2017, surrounded by his family.

"Jack" was born in Wilkes-Barre on Dec. 19, 1942, to the late John and Mary Smurl. He was a 1959 graduate of St. Mary's High School of Wilkes-Barre after which he enlisted in the United States Navy. There he served as a Naval Hospital Corpsman with the official title of Neuropsychiatric Technician. He proudly served his country from June 1960 until his honorable discharge in 1965. He then sought employment at Topps Chewing Gum for 31 years with his last position being Production Planning Supervisor. He retired from Lord & Taylor in June 2004 as a Loss Prevention Associate.

He married his best friend and love of his life Janet Dmohoski Smurl on Dec. 28, 1968. They were happily married 48 years. Before his passing, he said his biggest regret was not being able to reach the golden wedding anniversary with his soul mate.

He was a devout Catholic and member of Holy Rosary Church, Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre and most recently St. Leo's/Holy Rosary Church, Ashley. He was a life member and firm believer in the NRA. He served as a member and secretary of the Lions Club while living in West Pittston. For many years, he was an active Booster Club member for both Wyoming Area and GAR high schools. He spent endless hours at his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, plays, concerts, art shows and awards programs, cheering them on. He enjoyed camping, fishing with his brothers-in-law, trips to Gettysburg, and "date night in the back forty" with his bride. He was an avid college football fan, especially Notre Dame and West Virginia, where he proudly supported his grandson. He loved old school NBA with Larry, Magic, Jordan and Havlicek when they played "real basketball." Also, we must not fail to mention that he could fix anything with a few pieces of duct tape!

He was preceded in death by his father, John F. Smurl; mother, Mary T. Mulhern Smurl; sister, Elizabeth A. Yanovitch; and grandson, Michael John Glowinski.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Dawn Glowinski; Heather Engle and husband ,Chad; Shannon Pietroski and husband, Edward; and Carin Smurl and fiancé, Scott Parsons. He took great pride in his grandchildren Mark Glowinski, 25; Zachary Gonzalez, 19; Jarod Engle, 17; Gillian Sokoloski ,16; Emily Engle, 14; and Andzia Pietroski,7. Jack said that "God never gave me much money, but he gave me the most beautiful grandchildren." Jack is also survived by his niece and goddaughter, Sharon Yanovitch and fiancé, Andrew Rebilas; Michael Yanovitch and wife, Jennifer; Patrick Yanovitch and wife, Kathy; William Yanovitch and wife, Karen; Christopher Moughan and wife, Nicole; Jennifer Murphy and husband, Patrick; and Gregory and Bradley Dmohoski.

He will be greatly missed by his faithful fur companion, Clyde, who never left his side.

Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday from Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 9:30 a.m. in St. Leo's/Holy Rosary Church, 33 Manhattan St., Ashley. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Twp.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to The Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675-8517.

Condolences may be sent by visiting John's obituary at www.natandgawlas.com.