John Joseph "Jack" Marko

1944 - 2023

John "Jack" Joseph Marko, 78, of Hazleton passed away peacefully Saturday.

Born in 1944 in Nanticoke, John lived most of his life in Hazleton with his beloved and devoted wife of 55 years, Nancy (Ancharski), who stayed by his side and cared for him so lovingly throughout the duration of his illness.

John lived his life guided by values of duty, honor and responsibility. His humble beginnings inspired within him both a sense of gratitude and generosity. Together with Nancy, he raised five children, all of whom graduated college, which was an accomplishment that brought him great pride. Through his example, John taught his children the importance of loyalty, perseverance, contribution and compassion, which they strive now to pass on to his 13 grandchildren, who affectionately call him Grandpa.

John's loyalty can be seen not only in his enduring marriage but also in the 35 years he spent working at Allsteel, where he held various positions until their relocation in 2004.

John's generosity and compassion extend beyond his family and could be seen in the many charities he and Nancy supported, many of which were dedicated to children's needs.

John was a passionate fan of Paterno-led Penn State football and a talented rosarian. Neighbors could often hear his "We Are" chant as they walked by to admire his beautiful roses.

Some of his happiest moments were spent listening to music in the backyard, coaching youth sports, touring New York City, walking on the beach and enjoying ice cream with the people he loved.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth, (Krohn); father, John; sister, Dorothy Potoczny; and nephew, Martin Potoczny.

John is survived by two sisters, Lorraine Dvorshak and Norma Linsinbigler (Harry); brother-in-law, Frank; and sister-in-law, Tori, in addition to his wife, Nancy; children, Jennifer (Troy), Ellicott City, Md.; Melissa, Camp Hill; Meredith (Michael), Pittsford, N.Y.; Jamie (Katie), Bethesda, Md.; and Molly (Frank), Havertown; and grandchildren, Gabrielle, Olivia, Addison, Danielle, Samuel, Elijah, Alex, Harper, Jonah, Ethan, Ian, Quinn and Finley.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Church of St. Joseph, 604 N. Laurel St., Hazleton. The family will receive relatives and friends from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church prior to the Mass. Interment will be private at Calvary Cemetery, Drums.

The family welcomes donations in Jack's name to the Covenant House of New York, N.Y., and the Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home Inc., 532 N. Vine St., Hazleton.