Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Larkin Obituary
KINGSTON — John M. Larkin Jr., 67, of Kingston, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, at Manor Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Kingston, following a courageous year-long battle with cancer.
He was born June 30, 1947, in Wilkes-Barre, a son of the late John M. Larkin Sr. and Margaret McHugh Larkin. A graduate of St. Mary's High School, he was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a graduate of Penn State University Lehman Campus and enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard where he served until his retirement as a sergeant.
Mr. Larkin most recently was employed at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Plains Township. He served as commander, adjutant and chaplain of the Kingston American Legion Black Diamond Post 395. He participated in the funeral detail and presented awards to students on behalf of the American Legion. For many years he planned and organized the West Side Memorial Day Parade and also organized the Survivors Club of the American Legion. He was also a member of the VFW Anthracite Post 283, Kingston, where he served as the wuartermaster, and also belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
John enjoyed attending many gatherings with family and friends and always kept things light-hearted and interesting. He had a great sense of humor, loved playing practical jokes and was a very kind and generous man.
Surviving are his wife, the former Geraldine Wolinsky, with whom he celebrated 41 years of marriage; son, Michael John Larkin and his wife, Jen, Duryea, and their children, Michael and Renina; daughter, Kimberly Erin Larkin, Forty Fort, and her companion, Patrick Perry; sisters, Margaret Martin, Mary Hayward, Kathleen Kowalski, Ann Cherinko, Ellen Havrilla; brother, Patrick Larkin; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; brother-in-law, Stephen Wolinsky; sister-in-law, Rose Pinkoski.
The funeral will be held at 9:15 a.m. Monday from the E. Blake Collins Funeral Home, 159 George Ave., Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, Kingston. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery, Dallas. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Memorial donations may be made to Medical Oncology Prescription Assistance Fund, 382 Pierce St., Kingston, PA 18704; or to Toys for Tots, 1118 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, PA 18644.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.eblakecollins.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Larkin
Sponsored by Kimberly Erin Larkin.
Roberta Hollock-Doolin
December 5, 2014
I will miss you John, you were not only my mentor but my best friend and confidante. Until we meet again at the Legion in Heaven, you will remain in my heart. Knowing your sense if humor, you probably have Heaven laughing constantly. May you fund eternal peace my friend. Love always, Roberta.
December 2, 2014
To Gerry and the Larkin family I am so sorry for your loss John always made me feel welcome at gatherings.Praying for all of you.He will always be in your heart
November 20, 2014
I think you did an EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT job.
November 20, 2014
We salute your veteran. Our condolences for your loss and gratitude for your loved one's service to our country.
November 19, 2014
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
November 18, 2014
Gerry, I am sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers. May God shower you with strength at this difficult time . Mary Pickarski. Christine's Grandmothet
Gerry Storz
November 17, 2014
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
November 17, 2014
John always lead life to the fullest. Even during his struggle he attended family affairs. He was a person who actually did "live" until he died!
Jim, Shannon and Rose
November 17, 2014
Gerry,
Please accept our sincerest condolences. You are in our thoughts and our prayers.
Frances & Helene Chmielewski
# 2 Best Friend
November 16, 2014
John Larkin had the Biggest Heart of anyone I ever knew and will be missed by all. Love Yea Buddy.
November 16, 2014
Gerry, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Always enjoyed talking with John in the backyard when he visited his mother Peggy. Condolences to the Larkin family. Rita Miller, Parsons
Ray & Bonnie Banaszek
November 16, 2014
To Gerry & the Larkin family our prayers go out to at time of need. John will be sadly missed by family and friends for the man he was. RIP John Larkin
Ray & Bonnie Banaszek
November 16, 2014
To Gerry & The Larkin's family our deepest condolences in this time of need. John will be sadly missed and our prayer's go out to all of you at time of need.
Mary
November 15, 2014
You fought a good fight and will be greatly missed.
Love You
Mary
November 15, 2014
In thought and prayer....Marie Kruska
Pat & Guy Giordano
November 15, 2014
Gerry,
Guy and I are so sorry to hear of John's passing. I know the last year has been very difficult for everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joseph Rodgers
November 15, 2014
My Sincere condolences, on your great loss.I was a fellow graduate, Class of 1965, St. Mary's.
Don Williams
November 15, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Larkin family.
John read "In Flanders Fields" at every Memorial Day gathering for as far back as I can remember, and he also graced us with a reading at my father's funeral.
For the rest of my days, wherever and whenever I hear this WWI poem recited, John's voice - and the multitude of wonderful memories it evokes - will come shining through.
Ken Karasek
November 15, 2014
My condolences to Gerry and family. I served with John in the in the 1-109th FA national guard. John was a great guy who would do anything for you. RIP my dear friend. Ken Karasek
James Ashford
November 14, 2014
I didnt know John well, even though he remembered me from georgetown as a kid. I only knew him from the vfw post 283. When my brother died of cancer he came to his wake. Thats when he told me he remembered us as kids. Got to know him after that. I cant say ive met another man as good as john.
Only knew him about five years, and enjoyed his company when ever he was around. My wife and I will deeply miss him.
Mr & Mrs James Ashford
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in John Larkin's name
Memorial Events
for John Larkin
Funeral services provided by:
E. Blake Collins Funeral Home - Wilkes-Barre159 George Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Larkin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
