John C. Probert Jr.

John C. Probert Jr., 85, passed away peacefully, with his family at his side Tuesday.

Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late John C. Sr. and Helen (Haegele) Probert, and was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Hazleton.

He was a U.S. Army veteran. John was a Penn State graduate and an electrical engineer with PP&L for 38 years. He was a 60 year member of Hazle Azalea Fellowship Masonic Lodge 327, a 32nd degree member of the Scottish Rite and a Shriner, as well as a member of the Hazleton Square and Compass Club, where he always looked forward to catering their annual outing. John unselfishly managed and served as board president of the Hazleton Cemetery Association (Vine Street Cemetery) up to the time of his passing. John loved history and was the unofficial historian of the Hazleton area. He also served as treasurer for Hazleton Meals on Wheels.

John was a lifetime member of Boy Scout Troop 17, Cub Master, and he held various leadership positions in the local district as well. He led groups to Philmont Scout Reservation, helped build over 32 Pinewood Derby cars for his grandsons and instructed Cub Scouts and their families on their construction.

John had many hobbies and passions. He was a master woodworker, gardener and automobile restorer. He enjoyed tending to his many plants, tropical fish, patio, Model A's and Harley-Davidsons. He loved shopping for food and cooking amazing meals, including his own bread and desserts. He enjoyed spending time with his many grandchildren and was always eager to give them history lessons at the dinner table.

John mentored countless youths. He was a substitute teacher at MMI and was the advisor of their JETS (Junior Engineering Technology Society) Club. He tutored many students in mathematics.

John took great joy in spreading his faith, in a practical manner, to the teens in his Sunday School class at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hazleton, as well as serving as Youth Group advisor.

There wasn't a person John met that he didn't enjoy getting to know, and he shared his vast knowledge of many subjects with all.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, the former Betty J. Miller; children, David John Probert and wife, Stephanie, Drums; Dr. Christine Cabell and husband, Frank, Sugarloaf Twp.; and Jennifer Mariano and husband, Tony Mariano, Harrisburg; grandchildren, Spc. Jonathon Probert; Anna and Laine Cabell; and Andrew, Aidan and Nicholas Mariano; stepgrandsons, Jonathan Stacey; and state Rep. Michael Cabell; brothers, Carl F. Probert and wife, Dorothy, Damascus, Md.; and Richard E. Probert and wife, Dr. Carmelita Britton, Sackets Harbour, N.Y.; sister, Helen Badamo, Drums; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

His funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Christ Lutheran Church, 210 W. Green St., Hazleton. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. preceding the service. Interment will take place in Vine Street Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, Hazleton, 1060 N. Peace St., Hazleton, PA 18201; or to Christ Lutheran Church, 210 W Green St., Hazleton, PA 18201.

Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent at www.moranfuneralhome

.com.