John L. Milot

John L. Milot, 87, of West Hazleton passed away Tuesday afternoon in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Fern Glen, he was the son of the late John A. and Rose C. (Dallao) Milot. The family moved to West Hazleton and he became a lifelong resident of the area.

John was a graduate of West Hazleton High School, Class of 1953. In 1959 he graduated from King's College with a bachelor of arts degree. He went on to receive his Master of Arts degree in History at Lehigh University.

John began his career as a teacher at West Hazleton High School. Having spent over 35 years as an educator, he taught English, history and public speaking. He was the History department chair, school spirit club advisor and athletic director for many years. He retired in 1996.

As an educator, his favorite words to his students were, "History is a study of the past, to understand the present, to build a better future."

John continued during his life to be a mentor to many of his former students.

In addition to teaching at West Hazleton High School, he also taught public speaking for 15 years at Luzerne County Community College. He received an adjunct faculty of the year award for the 1988-89 school year.

Having devout faith, John was a member of the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Hazleton, and currently a member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Church of Transfiguration, West Hazleton.

He was a fourth-degree member of Knights of Columbus Lodge 5605, West Hazleton, and served on Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Council.

John was very active in the community. He was a member of the Hazleton Joint Sewer Authority and the West Hazleton Planning Board.

He also served on the Hazleton Area Sports Hall of Fame Committee and West Hazleton Alumni Scholarship Committee.

In addition to being a lifelong West Hazleton resident and supporter of West Hazleton High School sports, he was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the Washington Redskins.

He served in the Army National Guard.

Although he had an amazing career, his greatest role was being a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was affectionately known as "Pop-Pop" and was a force in his grandchildren's lives. He will be sadly missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Roy and Anna Corradini.

John is survived by his loving and devoted wife, the former Rosemary Corradini. They celebrated 56 years of marriage on June 19.

Also surviving are his cherished children, daughter, Christine Herring and husband, Scott; and son, John F. Milot; his treasured grandchildren, Joseph, Brianna, Matthew and Ryan Herring; brother-in-law, Robert Corradini and wife, Frances; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his family, he is survived by many friends too numerous to mention.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone, for all of their thoughts and prayers over the past few weeks and many thanks to the wonderful staff at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton for their tremendous care of John in his final days. Special thanks to the Rev. Brian Clarke and Deacon Oberto for their hospital visits and special blessings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Name Jesus Parish, Church of Transfiguration, West Hazleton.

Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Drums.

Friends and relatives may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home Inc., 532 N. Vine St., Hazleton.

Donations in memory of John may be made to West Hazleton Fire Department, 12 South 4th St., West Hazleton, PA 18202.

To leave a sympathy message, please visit our website at www.conahanfuneralhome.com.