JOHN FRANCIS PATACKAS

SCRANTON — John Francis Patackas, 75, of Scranton, died unexpectedly at home on Friday, May 18, 2018. He was born in Nanticoke to the late Matthew and Bernice (Grisman) Patackas.

He received an associate's degree in electrical and technology engineering from Penn State University. He was a member of the Army Reserve. He worked several years for PennDOT as a bridge surveyor. He also worked at McGregor Iron as project manager for many years. At the time of his passing, John was semi-retired and working from home for Pleasant Mount Welding, Carbondale.

John truly enjoyed life. When God made him, he broke the mold. He was always happy, never complained and would help anyone, anywhere at anytime. He was one of a kind. John also loved reading, writing and working on his garden. He was also a silent member of the band Main Offender. He was well known in the neighborhood and was known as the "neighborhood dad" when his kids were growing up.

John's greatest accomplishment in life was his family. He, along with his wife of 53 years, Rose, built a family of true unconditional love. He was a great role model for his children and grandchildren. He was proud to see his children grow up to be fine adults. He loved being a part of the different stages of their life. His greatest role in life was that of being a grandfather. He spent countless hours with his grandchildren playing games, going for ice cream, mini-golf, amusement parks and Sunday dinners with the family. His grandchildren adored him immensely. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are his wife, Rose (Avena); children, John Patackas Jr. and wife, Teresita, of Tunkhannock, Denise Cosgrove and husband, Bill, of Scranton, Jeff Patackas and wife, Gena, of Olyphant, and Gary Patackas and wife, Ingrid, of Scranton; grandchildren, Billy and Ryan Cosgrove, Jeffrey Patackas, and Jasmine and Rachel Patackas; two brothers, Bob Patackas and Tom Patackas and his wife, Judy, of Nanticoke. Also surviving are a brother-in-law, sister-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Bernice Patackas; brother, Matthew Patackas; and sisters, Marge Leskowicz and Alice Jones. Also, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Teresa and Louis Avena; brothers-in-law, Frank and Lou Avena; sister-in-law, Mary Rosania; and nephew, Tommy Patackas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday in Mary, Mother of God Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 316 William St., Scranton.

Arrangements have been entrusted and are under the care of the Hickory Crematory and Cremation Services of NEPA LLC., 307 Hickory St., Scranton.