John S. Leggin, 86, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2024, in his home with his loving wife Patricia Sudol Leggin at his side after a long illness. A generous and thoughtful soul, he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
John grew up in Taylor, PA, where he played basketball and developed his lifelong love of table tennis and pool. After graduating from high school, John joined the US Army where he served with the 40th Armored Division stationed in Alaska and was trained as a tank driver.
After his tour of duty with the Army, John returned to Taylor where he began his work at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant. There followed a long career as a conductor with the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad, Conrail, and ultimately NJ Transit. Always smiling, John knew his regular commuters by name and frequently engaged them on his daily trips to and from Netcong and Hoboken.
After his retirement, he and Patricia made traveling one of their goals and frequently attended the local Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre RailRiders games despite John being an avid Mets fan! A member of Divine Mercy parish in Scranton, John was also a member of the American Legion and the United Transportation Union Alumni Association.
John is predeceased by his parents John and Julia Leggin and his brother Robert.
In addition to his wife Patricia, John is survived by his stepson Alex Schelowski (Laura), daughter Julie Leggin (Marsha), grandsons Alex and Connor and multiple family members.
John’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Compassionate Care Hospice and Gretchen and the entire staff, which took great care of John.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Iron Horse Society, Steamtown National Historical Site, PO Box 20047, Scranton, PA 18502.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, August 6th at 2pm at Divine Mercy Parish Church, 312 Davis St., Scranton with Fr. Paul McDonnell officiating. Friends may call for visitation on Tuesday afternoon from 1pm until time of mass. AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston will provide military honors. Interment will be held at the Hilltop Cemetery, Mendham, NJ.
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