Obituary of John Robert Karpien

Beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle (“Jackie”),79, of Cresco, PA, passed away while at home on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Jack was originally a resident of Hudson, PA, born on March 7, 1945. Jack was the son of the late John and Helen Druzynski Karpien. Jack attended local schools and was a graduate of the Plains Memorial High School, where he held the position as center on the school football team. This is when he earned his nickname “Karp” from his best friends Ed and Andy. Jack’s first job was working on his Uncle Stanley and Aunt Rose’s chicken farm where he learned how to drive. A short time later, after graduation, he joined the United States Army National Guard. After receiving his honorable discharge for his service, John returned to his education at Penn State University where he pursued a degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. John worked for the Bendix Corporation and E.R.T.- Environmental Resource and Technology where he worked in specialized air quality. On February 14, 1970, John married the former Sondra Beisel. Together they raised two children, John and Amanda. Unfortunately, after 24 years of marriage John and Sondra divorced, but they still supported the love and care of their children. John remarried in July, 1994 to the former Sally Welch, a marriage which lasted 23 years. Together they were active members of the Dunmore community, especially with Sherwood Park. Additionally, they opened a boutique called Freedom Images in the Viewmont Mall, Dickson City, which operated for close to 20 years, which specialized in customized family photos, and custom embroidery designs. Following his retirement, John returned to the workforce after deciding that retirement was not for him. He worked for the past 5 years at the Lowe’s Home Improvement Store in Mount Pocono, primarily in the Lumber Department. He loved his fellow co-workers and he had a great desire to create a positive experience with all the customers he served. He took great pride in his work at Lowes, and was always beaming with that pride to introduce his coworkers to his family members during quick shopping visits. During his free time, John was a diehard Philadelphia Eagles Fan. Over the years, this resulted in his son John becoming an avid Cowboy’s fan. John may not have been able to sway his son to support the Eagles, but he did inevitably recruit a 2nd Eagles fan through his grandson, Jonathan. John also enjoyed classic cars, simple jokes, and listening to comedians on television, movies or on records. Family was of utmost importance to John, and in addition to his son, John, and daughter, Amanda, grandchildren Jonathon, Paige, and Emily, he simply adored his 2 sisters, his nieces and nephews, and his 2 great nieces Penelope and Callie. John provided a ray of light for those around him, with his never-ending graciousness, selflessness, and positivity for everyone he encountered across his lifespan. There was never a person’s name that he did not remember, nor a birthday that he forgot. His positive attitude toward life, infectious laugh that would warm your heart, and his desire to help others will be sorely missed. John was preceded in death by his loving parents; sister Dolores Flynn, and brother-in-law George Flynn. Surviving to mourn his passing are his daughter Amanda, Charlotte, NC; son John, Wilkes-Barre; grandchildren Jonathan and Paige; sister Joan, Raleigh, NC; nieces Amy and Linda; and nephew Johnny In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given at the funeral home to help John’s grandchildren in achieving their future career and life goals. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark Street, Plains, PA, 18705, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A second memorial visitation and gathering will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the SS. Peter and Paul Church, 13 Hudson Road, Plains Twp. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. celebrated by the officiant, Rev. John Lambert, Pastor. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hudson. Family and friends are invited to gather for a reception immediately following the interment ceremony. The reception will be held at Plains Polish American Veterans Club, located at 2 South Oak Street, Wilkes Barre, PA 18705.