John M. Masco

John M. Masco, 71 of Carbondale, passed away peacefully at home after an illness on Friday.

Born in Carbondale, John was the son of the late John and Theresa Lapera Masco. John was a member of Benjamin Franklin High School, class of 1969. He attended Johnson School of Technology and later enlisted as a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, 109th Infantry Division. John was a faithful member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

John retired after 45 years, working alongside his uncles, Ben and Sam at Lapera Oil Company. He spent many summers working at Takach's Grove with his brother, Joe and many other lifelong friends. John was a founding member of the Lapera Golf League, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast Committee and could be found spinning the "Big 6" wheel. John was a proud member of the American Legion, Post 221, where he served as Junior Vice Commander, the West Side Hose Company and the Moxie Club. John spent each morning with his friends at Mazza Linen as a member of the "Round Table." He loved traveling to Atlantic City with his wife, Cathy and playing his special lottery numbers each day. An avid sports fan, John enjoyed cheering on Penn State, the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Jets. John loved attending his grandson's sporting events.

John is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cathy Vannan Masco; his son, Carbondale City Councilman John C., and wife, Laurel, and grandson, Mitchell John, who was his pride and joy; brother, Joseph J., and wife, Angel; niece, Samantha; and nephew, Nathan Masco; special cousins, Bonnie Taylor, and Judie and Tom Brennan; along with several aunts, many cousins and friends.

The family would like to thank Debby Andidora for her friendship and helpfulness during John's illness, Dr. Matt Haley and staff, especially Lori Hayes, the staff of the Carbondale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, especially Jenna Wittington, the Carbondale Police Department, Cottage Hose Ambulance, and Father Seth Wasnock.

The funeral will be held Monday from Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 89 Farview St., Carbondale, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 15 Fallbrook St., Carbondale, celebrated by his cousin, Rev. John Lapera. Interment with military honors will follow at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Twp. The family kindly asks that friends attending the funeral Mass go directly to church. Viewing hours will be held on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Carbondale PreTeen Park Association, P.O. Box 77, Carbondale, PA 18407; or the American Legion, Post 221, 13 Hospital St., Carbondale, PA 18407.

To share condolences with John's family, visit his book of everlasting memories at www.parisefuneralhome.com.