John Dretar

John Dretar, born June 19, 1924 was called by God, on April 9, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Frances Miesko Dretar, Scranton, Pa.; daughter, Debra Frances Dretar; and son, Kenneth John Dretar, M.D., New Orleans, La.

He was born in Old Forge to Stephen and Irene Pregmon Dretar. He is also survived by brother, Stephen Dreater and wife, Ann Marie, Taylor, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by five brothers, Samuel, Demitri, Michael, Andrew and William; and five sisters, Mary Semian Marchinowski, Julia Lehman, Ann Magakis Barrowcliff, Helen Strosky and Delorles Dreater.

He enlisted in the Army at the age of 18 on May 6, 1943, and served during World War II in Europe under Gen. Patton. He hit Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day and was in every major battle, including the Battle of the Bulge and Our River Crossing. He was a distinguished member of the Blue Ridge Mountain Boys 80th Infantry Division whose motto was "The 80th only moves forward."

He received two Purple Hearts, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantry Badge, OLC Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service Medal World War II, Victory Medal and Euopean-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal.

He studied business management at Oxford University in London, England, and upon returning to the states, he graduated from Advanced Hair Styling Studio Leta Harrison Method, Fifth Avenue, New York City. In 1948, he opened a beauty shop and shortly after opened Johnny's Barber Shop on Adams Avenue, and then John Dretar Barber Shop on Mulberry Street, Wyoming Avenue and Deacon Street. He continued as a barber until his passing.

He met his wife, Frances, at a dance at the Masonic Temple, Scranton, Pa., and was married on May 20, 1950. He had a daughter, Debra; and a son, Kenneth.

He purchased a house in Green Ridge in 1953 and later designed and built a home at the same location in 1963.

His love for dancing, especially the jitterbug, earned him an award at the Masonic Temple in Scranton.

He was an artist who painted both portraits and scenery and was an active outdoorsman who loved golf and skiing. He was an adventurous skier who skied White Lightning, the most challenging slope on the North Face at Montage Scranton, Pa., until his mid 70s.

He was a 32nd-Degree Mason for 44 years and a member of the Peter Williamson Lodge 323 F&AM, the Valley of Scranton Scottish Rite Bodies Scranton, Pa.; and the Shriner's International. He belonged to the Irem Temple Country Club Dallas, Pa. He, along with five of his brothers, were Masons, Samuel, Demitri, Andrew, William and Stephen.

He was a loving husband and father who will be deeply missed. He touched many lives and he lived by one code: "Be fair and honest."

Viewing will be at John F. Glinsky Funeral Home, 445 Sanderson St., Throop, Pa., on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. with Parastas services at 7.

He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetary in Virginia at a later date.

Send online condolences to johnfglinskyfuneralhome@ gmail.com.