John Barabas

John Barabas

John Barabas, 77, of Bangor, peacefully passed away on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, in his daughter Stephanie's home in Jim Thorpe while under her care.

Born on Aug. 2, 1946 in Vasarcomiske, Hungary, he was a son of the late John and Margaret (Nagy) Barabas.

At the age of 11, John's family left the shattered town of Budapest after the revolution to seek refuge in Yugoslavia. They traveled by bus, a horse-drawn carriage, and by foot until they reached the refugee camp. During their time at the camp, John's father wrote to his wife's cousin in Alpha, N.J., to set the wheels in motion for the family to move to America. On Oct. 3, 1957, the family flew to America, making their dream of freedom come true.

Although John and his sister didn't speak English, they made many friends at their new school. They worked diligently to learn the language and study the curriculum.

John graduated from Tamaqua High School in 1966. Upon graduation, he served in the Navy until 1970 and was in the reserves for six years. After his honorable discharge, John worked for 55 years as a truck driver for PCA in Trexlertown until he retired in 2020.

He took great joy in cooking and experimenting with new recipes to share with his family. In addition to cooking, John loved to experience the great outdoors while camping. He often took many photos and learned new techniques through his photography groups. When the weather was too cold outside, John could be found reading his Kindle or cheering on his team, Green Bay Packers. He cherished the memories he created for his family by assembling model trains during the holidays. He enjoyed listening and dancing to music.

John is survived by his wife, Cynthia Barabas; children, Kimberly McGee, and her husband, Charles, of Marlin, PA, Tracy Kattner, and her husband, Thomas, of Nesquehoning, John S. Barabas of East Greenville, Christine Reis, and her companion, Daniel Bernhard, of Gilbertsville, and Stephanie Gyuricsek, and her companion, Michelangelo Bokeko, of Jim Thorpe; a stepson, Cory A. Degroat of Bangor; sisters, Margaret Volpe and Monica Davis; grandchildren, Jared, Hoyt, Ethan, Evelyn and Dakota; a step-grandchild Brooklyn; and a great-grandchild, Iris Grace, who was named after the mother of John's children, Grace Barabas.

Memorial service 2 p.m. Monday. Feb. 5, Morello Funeral Home, 3720 Nicholas St., Easton (Palmer Township). Interment with military honors, Northampton Memorial Shrine, Palmer Township. Call noon-2 p.m. Monday. Contributions in his name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 600 River Ave., Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Online condolences can be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com.