John Scyrba

John Scyrba, 91, of Dupont, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Allied Hospice Center in Wilkes-Barre, surrounded by his family.  He was born in Dupont on April 7, 1934, the son of the late Francis and Ann (Magda) Scyrba.

A first generation Polish American, John was a devoted lifelong member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Dupont and a proud graduate and star first baseman of Dupont High School, class of 1953. John worked briefly at the Knoll Country Club in Boonton, New Jersey, where he got to meet many celebrities of the time, including Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Gleason, and Perry Como. 

John then returned home to Pennsylvania, working for Shelborne Electronics in Wilkes-Barre. He later became the owner and operator of Central TV Repair Service in Dupont, from which he begrudgingly retired upon the invention of the plasma screen.

John was devoted to his wife, daughter, and grandchildren, around whom his world revolved. He enjoyed the simple things in life, including tending to his impressive vegetable garden, playing a round of golf, and sipping a well-made Manhattan. His biggest stressors were his favorite sports teams, the Eagles, Phillies, and Nittany Lions, but his steadfastness through his teams’ lean years made the wins that much sweeter.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Gloria Gemzik Scyrba, who died on December 26, 2019.  He was also predeceased by siblings Frances Scyrba, Pauline Scyrba, Theresa Scyrba, Walter Scyrba, Lucy Scyrba and Joseph Scyrba and his son-in-law, Fred C. Lokuta.

John is survived by his daughter, Linda Lokuta; his grandchildren, Fred J. Lokuta and his wife Nicole, and Camaryn Lokuta Bizik and her husband Justen; and his great granddaughter Gemma Lokuta, all of Dupont. Also surviving are his sisters, Mary Misencik, of Moosic and Helen Cace, of Hackettstown, NJ, along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family, among many of whom, he was lovingly known as “Papa John.”

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday morning, April 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 215 Lackawanna Ave., Dupont.  Friends may call for visitation on Sunday evening, April 27, 2025, from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea.

Interment will be held at the parish cemetery.  Friends and family are asked to go directly to the church on Monday morning, there will be no procession from the funeral home.

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