John J. Palovchak

LARKSVILLE — John J. Palovchak, 77, of Larksville, passed away peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family, on Oct. 3, 2016.

Born Jan. 12, 1939, in Larksville, he was the son of the late John and Anna (Pluchta) Palovchak. He was a graduate of Larksville High School, and he attended Penn State University. Mr. Palovchak was a member of All Saints Parish of Plymouth, a member of the Ushers Club and the Trinity House Seniors of the parish. He was a veteran, serving with the U.S. Army in the early 1960s. Prior to his retirement, he had been employed by Techneglas Corporation as an electronic technician for 35 years. John enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was an avid sports fan.

Surviving are his devoted wife of 56 years, the former Lucille Gardzalla; children, David, of Exeter, Debora Heckman and her husband, Gregory, of Exeter, and Denise Minkoff and her husband, David, of Quakertown. John was a fun loving grandpa to six grandchildren; Justin and Stephanie Palovchak, Jenna Chackan, Brandon Minkoff, and Charles and Louis Heckman, who will all miss him dearly. He is also survived by a brother, Victor Palovchak and his wife, Rita, of Las Vegas, Nev., sisters, Bernadine Jones and Yolanda Niezgoda, of Toms River, N.J., Joan Vilacoba and her husband, Joseph, of Jackson, N.J., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends and family will meet at 9:30 a.m. Friday for Mass of Christian Burial at All Saints Parish, Plymouth. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 W. Main St., Plymouth. Interment will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Lehman.

In lieu of flowers, contributions, if desired, may be made to All Saints Parish, Plymouth.