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John Tobin Obituary
Born in Avoca, son of the late John and Ella Dunleavy Tobin, he graduated from St. Mary's Grade School, Avoca, and Cathedral High School, Scranton, in 1970. He was a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary's Church, Avoca.
"Tob," as he was called, worked at Topp's Chewing Gum, Duryea. For 30 years, he was a proud to call the Watres Armory his workplace. He was a supply sergeant for the Pennsylvania National Guard Headquarters Company 55th Brigade. Jack was working for the Liquor Control Board in its Taylor store before his death.
John's life was quite simple, he loved Beau, his dog, and his friendship with his National Guard buddies, Danny, Bobby, Doc, Dave and Cal. John loved the ocean, cookouts in his backyard and Notre Dame Football. He died surrounded by his family.
Also surviving are a sister and brother-in-law and best friends, Helen and Jim Brogan, Avoca; a nephew, Shawn and wife, Nicole Brogan, Avoca; two nieces, Stacy Brogan Cassady and husband, Skip, Stroudsburg; and Susan Brogan Thornton and husband, Billy, California. Jack especially loved his great-nephew, Kyle Brogan, and great-nieces, Kaitlyn Brogan, Erin and Emily Thornton and Emma Brogan Cassady. Jack also has sisters and numerous nieces and nephews he loved.
Funeral services will be Tuesday with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca, to be celebrated by the Rev. Phillip Sladicka. All attending the funeral Mass are asked to go directly to the church, as there will be no procession from the funeral home. Interment will be at Holy Rosary Cemetery, Duryea. Military honors will be provided by members of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca, PA 18641. Online condolences may be made to www.kiesing erfuneralservices.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Tobin
Grace Marie McLaughlin
January 4, 2012
Well John I hope u r enjoying all the people from Avoca up there because I know a few who you would have a great time with, I remember your smile and just know how much your Mary Ann and Beau miss u soooooo much, take time to throw a penny down to her so she can find it so she can know you r looking after her....Grace Marie and Tom
stacy cassady
December 30, 2011
Merry Christmas Uncle John. We miss you soo much and it was not the same to not have you with us this Christmas. I always loved you soo much and looked up to you. You added so much fun and laugher to our family and I can't begin to tell you how much we miss that. I know you miss us too and I look forward to seeing you someday in heaven. I know that you are looking down on us and smiling. I am trying to take care of Auntie the best I can because I know you would want me to and I love you and her like my own parents. I love you Uncle John. Take care and I will see you again. Love, Stacy xoxoxo
maryann
December 30, 2011
Merry Christmas buddy, hope you are in a place where there is only love and happiness...no words can express how much I miss you in my life and how empty my world is without you in it. Being brave is so hard but acting brave is a lot easier and people always think I am so brave...guess I could win an acadamy award. Christmas wasn't the same without you but you would love the girls ....I think Kaitlyn and Emma will be great friends and you would be sooooo proud of them. I f you can ever figure out a way to let me know you are ok .....I would be so very very happy.....look for signs everyday but the only one finding them is Helen ( she thinks I am looking too hard)I can't believe it is coming up on a year already..it seems like only yesterday I lost my very best buddy...know I will love you always and forever and no one will ever replace you in my heart......your heart will forever remain a part of my heart.......I love you now and always
Mama and Beau
October 4, 2011
Hey John
Hope you are finally at peace and happy where ever you are! On the calander you have been gone 9 months but in my heart in seems like only moments. I miss you so much more everyday and can't imagine my life without you in it..it is the hardest road I ever have to walk....and I wish everyday that I went before you. Our Anniversary is upcoming and it will be an awful day without you to celebrate it. Beau looks for you every time he hears a car in the driveway and so do I.You were and always will be the best part of my life...where did you go to in such a hurry and why didn't you take me along? Give everyone up there a kiss and hug from me ( well, at least everyone I know)I pray you are happy and at rest ( a well deserved rest from all the pain and suffering)Every night when I go to bed I pray that somehow when I wake up you will be there but I know the rules...we are only here for a short while and you never truly belonged to me but to the Lord and for reasons unknown He called you home( I hope He cooks as good as I did) I will forever miss you and no one will ever fill the hole in my heart...my heart will forever be a part of your heart...Happy Anniversary kiddo! Hugs and kisses from me and Beau
maryann
August 18, 2011
Well, its been eight months since you left to be with all our family in heaven but I miss you more and more everyday! They say time heals all but so far it isn't working too well for me. The smile, laughter, fun and long talks we had are probably what I miss the most. My wish for you is that you are in a better place with no more pain or suffering but my life is so empty without you and my heart is so broken. You would have loved seeing litle Allie and all the girls and you would have been proud to see me boarding that plane to CA. John, you really made an impression on Kyle and I believe he is joining the service also...you were his role model. All the girls are growing up in leaps and bounds and you would definitely be getting the biggest tickle out of them or should I say they would be getting the biggest tickle out of you! I pray for you every night and I only can hope you know how much I miss you and that no one could ever replace you in my heart and soul. We had it all kid but not long enough. You will forever have my heart and I will love you forever! You have given me the best 30 yrs ever and I wish we had 30 more. I will try to make you proud of me because I know you would want me to move forward but it is the hardest thing I will ever have to do! No one will ever know the loss and emptiness I am feeling without you but it makes me so proud to still hear people tell me great memories of you! Hold my heart close to yours until we meet again! I love you kiddo!
Auntie
February 24, 2011
Thanks Shawn and Niki for keeping Uncle JOhns guest book open for the year. I don't have to tell you how much he loved all of you. He loved the girls but Kyle always held that piece of his heart that only the men in the family shared. You, Kyle and Uncle John were like the secret service, always up to something that was fun and exciting! I think if UJ misses anything, it would be Kyle always rubbing his bald head.....but little boys just grow up to be big boys and you all have your stories. I just hope Niki and Skip know that sooner or later he will find a way to get back at them for their silly pranks.He still owes them both one. I know he is watching over our every move and although we miss him more than words can say......as Erin would say ...he has his wings now...he surely did earn them! Thanks you all for making not only his life richer but mine also! I love you all!
Bonnie Shepherd
February 14, 2011
John, I know you are feasting at the heavenly banquet with all the other saints that have gone on before you. How comforting to know that we will all be reunited with those we have loved and lost. Although it was my misfortune to have not had the opportunity to know you, Maryann's love for you speaks for itself. Her "John" ....a man with such a wonderful soul. Someday we will meet in our "Father's house". Until then, we'll keep praying for "your" Maryann. Peace in Christ! Bonnie Shepherd
February 11, 2011
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Rest in peace....
Amen
Fred & LeAnne Loss
February 11, 2011
Mary Ann, Just found out about John. We are in FL or we would have been there. We are so sorry for your loss. I will always have the greatest memories of our time together and our friedship. The memories from my retirement party will always be a special memory of him. Our deepest sympathy.
Maryann Tobin
February 11, 2011
Thanks for all your wonderful tributes to my John. He would never have realized how many hearts he touched throughout his lifetime or what a difference he made in anyone's life. He could make me smile or belly laugh in a heart beat and I will miss him forever! My heart is with his heart now and my life will be forever changed but I am thankful for the 30 yrs we shared together as best friends! It is the hardest road one will ever have to walk but my family, friends and his comrades in Arms have made the walk a bit easier. I love all of you and so did John! My family has been not only there for me but they were the biggest part of the memories we all shared with the man with the big heart! Love you forever and always..will miss you more than words can say! Always kiss me good night!
Maryann
February 10, 2011
If you were fortunate enough to know my John than you were pretty fortunate. He always seemed to find the rainbow instead of the rain and could make you smile and belly laugh like no one else ever could. He would be so proud to read the comments written in his
memory! I don't think he ever realized just how many hearts he touched over the years or the impact he had in people's lives. He loved his family, friends and fellow soldiers with all his heart! And the military was something he carried throughout his life with great pride, respect and a lot of sentiment! My heart will always remain a part of his heart and even though I lost my very best friend and soul mate I am thankful for the 30 yrs that God allowed us to share together! Our family has shared so many wonderful memories of John and they will forever be a part of our daily lives. He has made my life come full circle and will remain my soul mate for years to come. Thank you, John for being the best and the brightest and for always bringing a smile to my face and keeping me safe and happy throughout my life. Our time together was much too short but we did have it all! Shawn, Stacy and Susan and the girls continue to talk about you everyday ( good times) they say! I will miss our adventures with Helen and Jim but mostly my life with you! Watch over me and keep me in your heart forever as I will keep you in mine! I love you, kiddo!
Ned and Mary Kay Jones
February 10, 2011
Mary Ann, John was a great man and you were a wonderful couple. You were both very fortunate to have one another and we were very fortunate to have you both as family and friends. We love you and will always be here for you.
February 10, 2011
Special memories of a great guy who would go out of his way to make you smile whenever he knew you were having a bad day! Rest in peace and may God grant you love and lots of happiness in heaven above!
Maryan
February 10, 2011
If you were fortunate enough to know my John, then you were fortunate!He always found the rainbows instead of the rain and he could make you smile and belly laugh in a heart beat!He loved his family and friends with all his heart and there ws nothing he would not do for them. My life will go on but it will never be the life I knew for 30 yrs. married to not only my best friend but my soul mate. John would be so proud to read your messages because I don't think he ever realized how many lives he touched or how much he was loved by so many of his friends, comrades in Arms and his family!Our family was so fortunate to have him in our lives even if only for a brief time but the memories he gave to us will last a lifetime! My heart will forever be with your heart and my life was always complete because God shared you with me. You will forever be in my thoughts, my heart and my soul, I love you now and forever!
noreen demark
January 30, 2011
In loving memory of my brother, Noreen
Edward Baum
January 17, 2011
God be with you Sgt Tobin. Your brothers and sisters of the Pennsylvania National Guard both active and retired will miss you but your memories will be with us forever
SSG Edward Baum (retired)
Paul Summers
January 15, 2011
Mary Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. As you well know, Jack & I go all the way back to our freshman year at Cathedral High School. I have so many fond memories of him & will never forget our good times together (some of which I cannot discuss). He was a terrific friend & I will dearly miss him, but I know that he will be a good assistant to our good Lord in Heaven. God bless Jack Tobin!
Matt and Ashley Summers
January 13, 2011
Mary Ann,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Jack ( Tob) was like an Uncle to Me for my entire life. He was one of the greatest men that I have ever known. He will truly be missed. Please let us know if we can do anything at all. We love you very much.
Love Matt and Ashley Summers
Sean Murphy
January 12, 2011
Aunt Mary Ann, I would like to extend deepest condolences for Uncle Jack. I am happy to see he had so many people that adored him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Frank Waznak
January 12, 2011
Mary Ann:
My prayers and thoughts are with you in John's passing, I served with Tob 30 years in the Guard, he was always there for me and offered help at any time, had great times with him and he will be in my prayers.
SFC Frank Waznak (Ret.)
January 11, 2011
I met John couple of years ago at work and was always happy to see him. He was a real gentleman and I will miss him.
RIP John, we will miss you.
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Mclaughlin
January 11, 2011
Dear Auntie Mary Ann,
Words cannot express the sadness thats in our hearts. Uncle John was one in a million. Just know that he is in a better place now. Our prayers are with you and the entire family.
Jack Schuback
January 11, 2011
I always enjoyed talking with John at the Taylor Liquor Store. He was always so friendly and would always ask about my Dad. I will miss him but I will always remember him.
Bill Gaffney
January 10, 2011
Maryann I am sorry over the loss of John He was a wonderful person and a good friend of mine I am saddened by his death My deepest sympathy. Bill Gaffney
January 10, 2011
Maryann,we are so sorry over the loss of John. He was a wonderful person, that will continue to live on in the hearts of many! You have our deepest sympathy.
Love & Prayers, Jerome & Ruth Ann Orlowski
January 10, 2011
Mary Ann, I am so sorry to hear the loss of john. please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. tom & rita
Mona Ramiza
January 10, 2011
Maryann: I am so sorry to hear about your loss please know that my prayers are with you.
james blake
January 10, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss of John you will be in are thoughts and prayers god bless
Richard Parry
January 10, 2011
"Mary Ann, I'm terribly sorry for your loss. John touched so many of us, he will be greatly missed. I always enjoyed talking to John and sharing the stories of our lives. He was a great person and I'm thankful I had the opportunity to know him and call him my friend. I will always remember him".
January 10, 2011
Mrs. Tobin, I'm very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a great guy, always had something good to say to lift your spirits. I had many good times with John in the guard, lots of laughs and never any harsh words. Please know that you and John are in my prayers and have been for some time. May God bless you at this time and always.
John and Donna Novak
Casey Hodakowski
January 9, 2011
It was an honor to be by Sgt. Tobin's side to help lend a healing hand along with the ICU Team at GWV in the past month. John, you held true to the words "Men Of Iron" and I will cherish the memories of years in service with you. My thoughts and prayers are with Maryann, family and friends.
Danny Portanova
January 9, 2011
Dear Maryann; Words cannot express the loss of my best friend, my heart is sadden but I know he is in a better place. I will always remember the good times we had together, He was like a brother to me. May the LORD be with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
LOVE: Danny Portanova
Sean Regan
January 9, 2011
Mary Ann and family,
Please accept my condolences at the loss of your husband John and our friend and comrade Sergeant Tobin. He was a good man and well thought of by many fellow soldiers. He will be missed but not forgotten. May God be with you and strengthen you. Rest in peace old friend.
Rosemary Liput Mednis
January 9, 2011
Dear Mary Ann,
I am so sorry to hear about your husband. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless You.
Jack Harris
January 9, 2011
Mary Ann:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and family, I have lost a good buddy who i served with in the Guard and worked with him full time, he was at the armory and I was in the Motor Pool but we were good buddies and shared a lot of great times together, if you ever need anything I'm still at the Motor Pool in Taylor only a phone call away, May God Bless, I have to be in Philadelphia for a doctors appointment on Monday or i would be there. Jack Harris
Cookie Belotti Mele
January 9, 2011
Mary Ann, I was so shocked to read about John. My deepest sympathies are with you.
January 9, 2011
Dear MaryAnn, please accept our deepest sympathy in the lose of our dear friend John. Having worked withJohn for many years I will always remember his helping hands when I would call on him for help.His kind smile and words will never be forgotten. He was one in a million. He is now at rest and is getting the bunks ready for the rest of his fellow comrades. He will always be remembered by all he touched during his short stay on this earth. He will always be in our prayers. Bruce,Teresa & Sarah Prandy, (Duryea,Pa).
Susan Thornton
January 9, 2011
Uncle John.... We will miss you more than words!! WE know you gave it your all but it doesnt make any of this any easier! We will forever cherish all the memories we have had together over the years! We feel lucky to have had apart of our life! We love you tons!!! Hugs and kisses, Billy, Susan, Erin and Emily
Paul Taylor
January 9, 2011
Dear Mary Ann,
Please know you and John are in my thoughts and prayers..I will always cherish my memories of John..His gentle smile that greeted me every time we met and the laugh that filled a room with joy and of a friendship that will never fade..We are all blessed to have had John in our lives..
Lee Baker
January 9, 2011
It is with a heavy heart we, the members of Rolling Thunder Chapter 3 PA, join the family and friends of Sergeant John Tobin in mourning the loss of a brother in arms. His willingness to stand on the wall that separates good from evil and declare,” no harm will come to you tonight, not on my watch” made our life the most secure in the world.
As an organization, Rolling Thunder Chapter 3 PA. Salute’s the memory of Sergeant John Tobin and the service he rendered his country.
The members of Rolling Thunder Chapter 3 PA believe when John came face to face with our lord Jesus, the first words he heard were, “welcome home, good and faithful servant”.
David & Lori Parinisi
January 9, 2011
Maryann, So sorry for your loss. Tob is a great friend and we had a lot of great memories that will keep him alive in our heart forever. <3
Susan Thornton
January 9, 2011
We love you Uncle John! We know you gave it everything you had but it doesn't make it any easier. We will miss you more than words and the family won't be the same without you! We will never forget all the wonderful memories we have had together. We were lucky to have you apart of your life! Hugs and kisses! WE LOVE YOU!!!! Billy, Susan, Erin and Emily
marty hall
January 9, 2011
Dear mary i am deeply sadend of the news of johns passing he was a good person and alwas took care of me while in the Guard
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY Marty h
Patty Sleboda
January 9, 2011
Maryann and family,
With deepest sympathy, we offer our thoughts and prayers to you and the family at this sad time. We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. We always enjoyed talking with John at our family functions. He will be missed.
Love,
Joe and Patty Sleboda
schickie
January 9, 2011
Mary Ann, I'm so sorry about Tob. He was one of my mentors, and a good friend. You and your family are in my thoughts ALWAYS.
Lori, Rob, Casey & Kelsey
January 9, 2011
Dear Mair, I was so saddened when I opened the paper today. We are so sorry for your loss of John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
January 9, 2011
Mary Ann, Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Jack. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God Bless You! Bob and Mary Hennigan, Huntingdon Valley, Pa
January 9, 2011
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Patricia Hennigan Stahmer and Family
Lori & Bill Boggetti
January 9, 2011
Maryann,we are so sorry for your loss. Bill always enjoyed his talks with John when you were at therapy. You'll be in our prayers.
David Parinisi
January 9, 2011
Maryann. We so sorry, Tob was a great friend and will miss him so. There was a lot of great memorizes that we all made together threw out the years. That I will never forget. If there is anything you need just us know. Love you, Dave and Lori Parinisi
Debbie Taylor
January 9, 2011
John is flying with the angels now. God Bless, Tobin family.
Paul Taylor
January 9, 2011
Dear Mary Ann, Please accept my heart felt prayers for you and John during this time of sorrow. I will always cherish the memory of John, his gentle smile that made me feel special to have known him the laugh that would fill a room and a friendship that will never be forgotten. May your memories of John comfort you and may God give you peace..
John Scott
January 8, 2011
Maryann, Please know that you and Jack our in our prayers & memories. You were both there for us when my dad passed away. Let us know if there is anything we can do.
January 8, 2011
Mary Ann I AM SO VERY SORRY ABOUT JACK. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND OUR LOVE TOO. GOD BLESS JACK . CATHERINE SCOTT AND FAMILY
Helen Klepadlo
January 8, 2011
Maryann, So sorry to hear of your loss of John. I know he was your life. If there is anything you need or I can do ,please don't hesitate to give me a call. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Helen Klepadlo
John Jeffery
January 8, 2011
As part of the 55th BDE "family" we extend our sympathy to you in this time of sorrow.
SFC (RET) John & Billie Jeffery
CPT & Mrs. James R. Minicozzi & WeSLeY
January 8, 2011
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Requiescat in Pace. Amen
January 8, 2011
Mary Ann, I'm so sorry to hear of John's death. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Eileen Casper
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