John J. Marcinkowski

John J. Marcinkowski, 81, of Nanticoke, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, at Birchwood Rehabilitation, Nanticoke.

All his friends knew him by "Jake" and loved him for his sense of humor and kind, gentle nature.

Born in Nanticoke on April 3, 1936, John was the son of the late Frank and Cadelia (Pitchford) Marcinkowski.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Theresa (Roszkowski) Marcinkowski.

He was a graduate of the Greater Nanticoke Area High School, Class of 1953, and attended Wyoming Seminary Business College.

He worked for Planter's Peanuts for a short time until beginning his career with John Hancock Life Insurance Co.

After 20 years of service, he retired as a sergeant first class in the U.S. Army. He served in the 402nd MP POW Camp Army Reserve Unit, which was deployed to Desert Storm.

He served for many years as chairman of the Nanticoke Housing Authority and also served on the LCCC Board of Trustees. He was an active member of SAFE, a support group for families of children with autism, as well as an avid supporter of Brighter Journeys, a foundation for special needs children.

He loved spending time with family and friends and traveling, especially to see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Australia.

He was active at the former St. Stanislaus Church in Nanticoke. He attended grade school, received the sacraments and married the love of his life there. He also served as lector, an officer of the Holy Name Society and loved calling at bingos and helping at bazaars and church dinners. He was currently a faithful member of St. Faustina Parish in Nanticoke.

He was a fourth-degree knight and past faithful navigator of Wm. J. Hafey Assembly 925.

In addition to his wife, Theresa, he is survived by his six children, Joyce Hudak and her husband, Michael, Newport Twp.; John Marcinkowski Jr., Pocono Lake; Barbara Lindler and her husband, William, Moncks Corner, S.C.; Frank Marcinkowski and his wife, Deneen, Nanticoke; David Marcinkowski and his wife, Pamela, Nanticoke; and Sandra Vanesko and her husband, Jefferey, Dallas; a special part of our family, Ronald Scott; brother, Raymond Marcinkowski and wife, Elsie, Mountain Top; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, William, and William's wife, Phyllis, and a grandson, Jacob Peter Marcinkowski.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of John Marcinkowski to Brighter Journeys Foundation in Kingston, 570-814-6606, or St. Faustina Parish, Nanticoke.

The funeral Mass will be held at noon Tuesday in St. Faustina Parish, Hanover Street, Nanticoke. The Rev, James R. Nash will officiate.

Military services and interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Mocanaqua.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, the day of services, at Stanley S. Stegura Funeral Home Inc., 614 S. Hanover St., Nanticoke.