John P. Pani, Sr., 82, a resident of Forty Fort, passed away unexpectedly early Monday morning, February 18, 2013, at York Hospital, York, Pennsylvania, following a brief illness.

His beloved wife was the late Victoria A. (Blazey) Pani, who passed away on May 16, 2007. John and Victoria were united in marriage on November 28, 1953 and together shared 53 beautiful years of marriage.

Born on September 25, 1930 in Swoyersville, John was the son of the late Peter and Josephine (Cacciatore) Pani.

Raised in Swoyersville, John was a graduate of the former Swoyersville High School, Class of 1949.

A United States Army Veteran, John honorably served his country during the Korean War. During his time of service, John was decorated with the Commendation Ribbon with the Meritorious Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars and the United Nations Service Medal. Upon his honorable discharge on January 13, 1953, John had attained the rank of Sergeant.

For many years, John was employed in the Quality Control Department of the former United Pants Factory, at both their Swoyersville and Plymouth locations. Following his employment with United Pants, John worked for Leslie Faye, Inc., Wyoming Valley Health Care System, Wells Fargo Bank and in the proof departments of First Eastern Bank and P.N.C. Bank.

John was a faithful Catholic and long-time member of the former Saint Hedwig’s Church, Kingston. Following the closing of Saint Hedwig’s, John became a member of Holy Family Parish, Luzerne.

A talented handyman, John was known for being able to repair just about anything. Many will remember John for his selfless nature and his willingness to always lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

In his free time, John enjoyed being outdoors doing what he loved best, hunting and fishing.

John was a devoted family man and he treasured the time he had with his loved ones. Though his presence will be greatly missed, the memory of him will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

John is survived by his sons, Eric Pani and his wife Denise, of Monroe, Louisiana; John P. Pani, Jr. and his wife Nubia, of Red Lion, Pennsylvania; his grandchildren, John P. Pani, III, of Washington D.C. and Alyssa Sypolt and her husband Justin, of Pittsburg; his sisters, Sabina Stanko, of New York and Angeline Watkins, of Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania; several nieces, nephews and friends.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Saturday, February 23, 2013, at 10:00 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 AM in Holy Family Roman Catholic Parish, 574 Bennett Street, Luzerne, with the Reverend Joseph Adonizio, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint John’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Dallas, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Friday, February 22, 2013, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the family of Mr. John P. Pani an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in John’s memory to Holy Family Parish, 574 Bennett Street, Luzerne, Pennsylvania 18709.