James George Bestider, “Pop Pop” 75, of Harding passed into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family on Saturday April 22, 2017 at the Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland. He and his loving wife, Kathleen Yankoski Bestider, celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary January 3, 2017.
Born in Pittston, Jim was a son of the late Leonard and Helen Bitsko Bestider. Jim was educated in the Plymouth School District and West Side Vo-Tech. Upon graduation, he entered the US Navy and served his country for six years. He later attended Lackawanna Junior College, Scranton, majoring in business. Prior to retirement, Jim was the branch manager of Ransome Lift Co. and was affiliated with Pride Mobility Products.
Jim loved woodworking and playing the drums, both of which he mastered. His family and his faith were most important to him. He taught his wife and his children to Pray…..Don’t worry.
In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his sons, James and wife, Rhodica, Lehighton; Michael, West Pittston; Brian, Harding; Mark, Louisiana; daughters, Brenda Schrieber and fiancé, Al Nalachi, Harding and Sheri and fiancé, David Pisack, Exeter; beloved grandchildren, Billy Schrieber, Greg Mantione, and Olivia Bestider; brother, John Earl Bestider, Wyoming; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Helen Patalonus and infant niece, Cheryl.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 28, 2017, at 10:00 A.M. in the Church of the Holy Redeemer (Corpus Christi Parish) Harding, to be celebrated by Fr. Pio Mandato. Those attending the funeral mass are asked to go directly to the church on Friday morning as there will be no procession from the funeral home. Entombment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, April 27, 2017, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Baloga Funeral Home, Inc. 1201 Main St. Pittston (Port Griffith), PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made be made to American Heart Association 968 Postal Road Suite #110 Allentown, PA 18109.
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