John G. Kobal, Jr., a lifelong resident of Duryea, passed away Friday evening, June 23, 2023. under the care of Geisinger Hospital, Wilkes-Barre.
Born February 13, 1941, he was the son of the late John and Margaret (Resavy) Kobal.
John was a hardworking man, providing for his family and retiring from Lehigh Valley Railroad and Conrail Scranton/Binghamton as a locomotive mechanic/yardmaster. He moonlighted as an automotive mechanic; known to put out some hotrods in his days. He also was formally a 4th degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Pittston.
Since the passing of his late beloved wife, Ellen, on November 24, 2017, John has been brokenhearted. They would have been together 61 years.
Left to mourn his passing are his son, John M. Kobal, with whom he resided; daughters, Annette, Diane Haduck (Charles) Koepke, Sweet Valley, Karen Karpovich, Pittston , and Denice (Charles) Marchise, Bear Creek; grandchildren, CJ Marchise, Michael (AshJey) Legora, Chelsea (Dave) Gilio, Casie (Justin) Mattson, and Dominick and Donavan Harrison; adopted son, Rex Sarfine; great-grandchildren, Lucas, Damian, Julia, Aydan and Justin; nieces Alexis DeSilva, Levittown and Kimberly Holm, Minnesota; several great-nieces and nephews; and sister, Delores R. Kobal, Duryea. He will be sadly missed by the family pet Darla.
Relatives and friends may join John's family for a graveside service and remembrances on Thursday, June 29th at 11 AM at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, corner of Railroad and Phoenix Streets, Duryea, Pa. The Reverend Father Thomas Fritschen will serve as Officiant.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea.