John P. "Slimmer" Gdovin

                 Mr. John P. "Slimmer" Gdovin, 75, a well known resident of Wilkes-Barre's North End neighborhood, passed unexpectedly into Eternal Life early Saturday morning as an emergency patient in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. 

     Born on Tuesday, May 28, 1946 in Wilkes-Barre, he was one of five children to the late John A. and Helen (Hudak) Gdovin.  Educated in the city schools, John was a member of the 1964 graduating class of the former James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.

     Until his retirement, he was employed in the housekeeping department by Riverstreet Manor where he garnered a number of good friends.  Prior to that, he was employed for many years by the former Carter Footwear Company in Parsons.

     Devoted to his Catholic faith, Mr. Gdovin held a special place in his heart for the Blessed Virgin Mary, and was a weekly communicant at his parish of Saint Andre Bessette, North Wilkes-Barre.

     Silmmer was a life member of the North End Slovak Citizens Club in Wilkes-Barre where he played on various dart leagues over the years.  He also enjoyed bowling in his youth.  In his spare time he loved listening to music, especially "the oldies" from the '50s and '60s era.  Passers-by would often be drawn in to what song he would be playing on his porch radio.  Additionally, he loved tending to his annual gardens, paying close attention to his tomato plants.  His unique personality and gentle kindness will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him in this life.

     He was preceded in death by his brother, Mr. Joseph Gdovin in 1989, by a sister, Mrs. Marie A. Sulzinski in 2008, and most recently by a nephew, Mr. Joseph J. Blizman on June 9, 2019.

     Left to cherish the wonderful memories they have of him are his children,Mary Ashton and her husband Brent of Wilkes-Barre; Richard S.  “Rick” Gdovin and his wife, Stacy of Plains Township; Grandchildren, including Artemisia and Mia Ashton along with Cassandra and John Gdovin;  His fiancé, Regina (Dee Dee) Roberts, at home; Sisters, Mrs. Helen Blizman of North Wilkes-Barre and Mrs. Martha Lisofsky, of Exeter, numerous nieces and nephews, including Mary Blizman, North Wilkes-Barre, who helped in so many ways; countless North End neighbors and dear friends.

     Funeral services for Mr. Gdovin will be conducted on Friday with his concelebrated funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish of Saint Andre Bessette, 668 North Main Street.  His pastor, the Reverend Kenneth M. Seegar and the Reverend Joseph Long, C.S.C., personal family friend, will serve as concelebrants.  Those wishing to join Slimmer’s family are asked to assemble directly at church Friday morning by 9:45 a.m. to receive the family.

     Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Cemetery of Saint Andre Bessette Parish, Dorchester Drive in Dallas.

    Relatives and friends may join John's family for visitation and shared remembrances Thursday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street.  Due to the ongoing health crisis, facial masks are required for all in attendance while funeral home staff will assist with spatial distancing.

     The Gdovin family would be humbled if those wishing to remember Slimmer in a special way; simply perform an act of kindness in his memory.

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