Patrolman John James Wilding

Patrolman John James Wilding, 29, of Scranton, died early Sunday morning at Geisinger Community Medical Center from injuries sustained while bravely serving in the line of duty. His wife is Kristen Tansits Wilding. The couple married Feb. 21, 2014.

Born in Scranton, son of Mary Wilding, Scranton, he was a 2004 graduate of Mid Valley Secondary Center, Throop, and attended the Pennsylvania State University. He was a 2012 graduate of the Act 120 Municipal Police Officers Training Program at Lackawanna College. He had been employed at St. Joseph's Center for eight years, worked as a driver and guard for Dunbar Armored, Olyphant, and was also a full-time public safety officer at Lackawanna College before joining the Scranton Police Department in April, 2014.

He was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police E.B. Jermyn Lodge 2.

He loved Irish and punk rock music, especially the Ramones. He practiced Krav Maga and earned his motorcycle license. John had a special place in his heart for animals and as a tattoo enthusiast, he was highly decorated.

As a son, he was respectful and attentive. He was a loving and dedicated provider, but even more importantly, he was a playful, devoted and protective father. John was a fiercely loyal brother and friend.

It was John's dream to be a good and just police officer in Scranton, where he was raising his family. He worked for years to earn his place on the force, and was grateful every day for the opportunity to serve and protect his community. In the short time he did so, John's impact in the neighborhoods he patrolled has become clear through the stories of kindness and fairness he exercised on the beat.

Also surviving are two children: his daughter, Lola Mae, and his son, Sidney Wolfgang, both at home; his sister, Patrice Wilding and fiancé, Justin Lowe; an aunt, Arlene F. Adams; an uncle, Frank J. Sabino; cousins, including James L. Adams and his wife, Jenny; and Tomara Wilding; his mother-in-law, Diane Tansits; his father-in-law, Robert Tansits; brother-in-law, Cory Tansits and wife, Carly; and a nephew, Cory Tansits.

He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Sgt. Major Louis W. Sabino (U.S. Army, Retired) and First Lt. Agnes Marjorie Sabino (U.S. Army Nursing Corps, Retired); and maternal great-aunt, Second Lt. Rita J. O'Boyle, (U.S. Navy Nursing Corps, Retired).

The funeral will be Friday with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Cathedral, Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, to be celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., Bishop of Scranton.

A public viewing will be held Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Lackawanna College, Vine Street, Scranton. Those attending the funeral Mass on Friday morning are asked to proceed directly to the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Officer John James Wilding Memorial Fund at any branch of Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank.