John Michael Smigiel, 71, of Old Forge, passed away on Wednesday, November 7th unexpectedly at his home. He was born in Old Forge, March 22nd, 1947 and was the son of the late Frank and Julia (Vargo) Smigiel.
John was a member of Nativity of Our Lord Parish Church, Duryea. He was a 1965 graduate of Old Forge High School. John was a United States Army Veteran and served during the Vietnam War. He worked most of his life for the GNM Battery Company, Dunmore, until the time of its closing.
John was a devout catholic and a member of Nativity of Our Lord Parish Church, Duryea. He was a fitness fanatic and excelled in athletics. He enjoyed being fit, both mentally and physically. He was a member of four local gyms, Planet Fitness, the Pittston YMCA, Anytime Fitness, and Pro Fitness. He competed in 27 marathons nationally and countless local 5k and 10k running competitions and was also a member of SOAR, Scranton Organized Area Runners. John was a very kind and compassionate man, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Julie Farley and his brothers, Frank and Joseph Smigiel.
John is survived by his wife of 51 years, the former Marlene (Ciliberto) Smigiel; his daughter, Stacey Ann and her husband Edwin Velez of Scranton; his son, Brian Smigiel of Old Forge; and grandchildren, Gina and Mia Velez. Also surviving are his sisters, Mary Jo Killino of Old Forge and Theresa Brown and her husband George of Taylor, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 12th at 9:30am from Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea with a mass of Christian burial at 10:00am at Nativity of Our Lord Parish Church, 127 Stephenson St., Duryea with Fr. John V. Polednak officiating. Friends may call on Sunday afternoon, November 11th from 2-4pm. Interment will be held at the Marcy Cemetery, Duryea. AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston will provide military honors.