John Stankevitch, Jr., 90, of Nescopeck Township passed away on Friday, December 23, 2016 at Berwick Hospital Center.
Born in Hazleton on May 7, 1926, he was the son of the late Edna M. (Ungemach) and John “Jack” Stankevitch, Sr. He attended school in Nescopeck and at the age of 18, enlisted in the US Navy. He served during WWII, assigned to the USS Hammann, traveling the Pacific Ocean 9 times, back and forth. While serving, he was a motor machinist’s mate and developed an interest in automotive repair, and after an honorable discharge he was employed at Brown Motors. Later, he briefly worked with his grandfather, then opened his own business, John’s Garage in 1956, where he still spent much of his time. John also owned school busses, and drove for Berwick Schools for many years.
John was a member of Faith United Lutheran Church, Nescopeck and Nescopeck Township Fire Company. In his younger years, he enjoyed league bowling at Valley Lanes, Sugarloaf. He liked fishing and hunting, and was a member of Tri-Twp Rod and Gun Club.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Monna June (Wilson) Stankevitch in 2013; son Allan Stankevitch; and great granddaughter, Jersey Burd.
He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Brenda Zajac; Linda M. Burd and husband Richard Jr; son, Charles Stankevitch and wife Christine, all of Nescopeck Township; grandchildren, Autumn, Richard, Jeremy, ArLinda, Linda June, Johnny Lee, Angelina, Andrea, Tara, Sprinterson, and Amy; 14 great grandchildren; sister, Doris Beck of Bloomsburg; nieces, and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Heller Funeral Home, LLC, 633 East Third Street, Nescopeck, with Rev. Richard Dennison officiating. Interment will follow in Elan Memorial Park, Bloomsburg. Family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Online messages of comfort can be sent to condolences@hellerfuneral.com