John M. Wastak Jr.

John Michael Wastak Jr., 85 years old, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday at the Allied Hospice Center, Scranton. He was married to the former Dianne Marie Rosati. The couple celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Born on Dec. 27, 1940, in Duryea, he was the son of the late John and Margaret Golchesky Wastak. John grew up in Duryea and graduated from the Duryea High School. In his youth, John was a standout athlete in baseball, basketball, and football. He graduated from the University of Scranton where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education and a Master’s of Science Degree in Guidance Counseling. John grew up in Duryea and moved to Old Forge after meeting his wife, Dianne. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by the Pocono Mountain School District for 4 years. John was also a teacher, guidance counselor, and football coach at the Abington Heights School District for over 40 years. He loved coaching football for the Abington Heights Comets and led the football team to two Northeastern Division victories. He was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish, Old Forge.

John was full of life! John had a strict, disciplined, free spirited, exuberant personality that had people beckoning for more. A people person at heart, John had the rare ability and gift to see inside your soul and to get the best out of each person. Amongst his infinite positive traits, John was an extremely helpful person willing to lend a hand or give advice to anyone who needed it. John would go above and beyond for anyone.

He cordially kept in mind all of his encounters throughout his life, from his childhood to his students, coaching days, and family. He was always ready to tell a quick story about his wonderful life. He had an immense love for his family and home which led him to often be seen manicuring his lawn and garden to perfection. John would get a laugh and kick out of his neighbors and friends giving a wave and a beep and stopping to say hello.

John was a great athlete and had much respect for all competitive sports. He knew there were numerous lessons to be learned from them. He loved playing and watching sports with his two sons, John and Mark, throughout the years.

John had a great love for the fine arts and entertainment. John’s favorite past times included golf, gardening, his home, and family. He enjoyed his family vacations to Florida, Italy, and the Caribbean.

John will be sorely and terribly missed by friends, family, and by many who knew him.

In addition to his wife, Dianne, he is survived by two sons, John, Old Forge, and Mark, Taylor, a brother, Gerald and wife Louise, Archbald, a grandson, Justin, Old Forge, two nephews, Jeff and Cameron, his brother in-law, Joe Rosati and wife Gloria, and cousins.

To honor John, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Prince of Peace Parish, 123 West Grace Street, Old Forge, to be celebrated by the Rev. Walter E. Jenkins CSC, Pastor. Interment St. John’s Cemetery Duryea.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects to John at the Prince of Peace Parish on Wednesday 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Louis V. Ciuccio Funeral home, 145 Moosic Road, Old Forge. To leave an online condolence or for directions, please visit the funeral home’s web site at: ciucciofuneralhome.com