Jack O’Brien, 80, of Avoca passed away at home January 10, 2016, surrounded by his family members. He was born in Avoca on September 11, 1935, the son of the late John Earl and Mary Lizak O’Brien.
Jack was educated at St. Mary’s Parochial School and Avoca High School. He joined the U.S. Army in 1954 after graduating and was honorably discharged in 1957. He went on to work for RCA, where he also served as president of the union. He retired from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. O’Brien was also a former councilman for the town of Avoca. Jack was a proud member of the Queen of the Apostles, Avoca, P.A.C.C. Dupont, West Side Social Club, and VFW of Avoca.
O’Brien was a very generous and humble man who had a zest for life and enjoyed listening to music. Family, friends and his faith in God meant the most to him. He was proud of his Irish & Slovak heritage. The Fighting Irish of the University Notre Dame, where his sister, Ann Marie, IHM graduated from, was always No. 1 to him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, John Earl III; his brothers, Joseph and Patrick; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
He is survived by his children, Erin (Mike) Gallagher, Madison Township; Mary Margret McDermott, his caretaker, Avoca; son, Retired Sergeant Major Michael (Patricia) Newark, Del.; Dennis, Avoca; Joseph Patrick, Exeter; James (Ann), Pittston; Marie (Mike) O’Malley, Harding; Earl (Kelly), Avoca; Eileen, Carbondale; as well as his sister Ann Marie, IHM, Scranton and his wife, Marie McGlynn O’Brien, Duryea. Jack will be sadly missed by his 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Very special thanks to the staff of Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Erin, Donna, Holley, Karen, Missy and MaryAnn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donation can be made to the Sisters of the IHM, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509 or the AMVETS honor guard of Dupont.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 14th at 10:00am at Queen of the Apostles Church, Hawthorne St., Avoca with Fr. Phillip Sladicka officiating. Friends may call for visitation Wednesday evening, January 13th at Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea from 5-7pm. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the church for mass. AMVETS Honor Guard will provide military honors.