John J. Yackowski, 87, of Scranton, formerly of Port Griffith, Jenkins Township, passed away Monday, November 27, 2017, in Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore.
He was a son of the late Walter and Leokadia Ostrowski Yackowski. He was educated in the Jenkins Township schools. John was an U.S. Army veteran, having served during the Korean War. Prior to retirement, he was employed by Chamberlain Manufacturing Corp., Scranton. John was a life member of the VFW, Post 3451, Scranton and a member of the American Legion Post 0568, Minooka.
Family was most important to John. He had fond memories of the times he shared with his beloved wife tending to their beautiful garden. He was known to be a Mr. Fix It and had the ability to fix or build anything he touched. John and his best friend, Jack Scheller, had their daily routine going to breakfast at Smith's Restaurant, Scranton. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Jack for always being there for John.
Surviving are his sister, Helen Balestrini, Plains; nieces and nephew/caregivers, Theresa Schubel and Mary Ann Wegleski and husband, Joseph, all of Pittston; numerous nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Cecelia Kitlas Yackowski,who passed away on October 9, 2009; brothers, Frank, Michael and Anthony Yackowski; sisters, Frances Grala, Josephine and Mary Yackowski and Janet Harenza.
The funeral will be held Monday, December 4, 2017, at 9:15AM from Baloga Funeral Home, Inc. 1201 Main Street, Pittston (Port Griffith), with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St John the Evangelist Church, William St., Pittston. Interment will be in Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Cemetery, Scranton.
Military services will be conducted by the AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects Sunday, from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M., at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart 100 William Street Dunmore, PA 18510.