John M. Wassil

      Mr. John M. Wassil, 97, a lifetime resident of Wilkes-Barre's North End neighborhood, passed peacefully into Eternal Life Sunday morning in the comfort of his residence, following a recent illness with his family at his bedside.

     Born on Friday, October 10, 1924 in Wilkes-Barre, he was the last of five children to the late John and Mary (Funkett) Wassil.  Educated in the city schools he attended the Sacred Heart Parochial School, the George W. Guthrie School and the James M. Coughlin High School, all formerly of Wilkes-Barre.

     Following his formal education, Mr. Wassil proudly served our country during the Second World War with the United States Army, being stationed in the Philippines and New Guinea as part of the “Greatest Generation”.

     Upon his return stateside, and having a love for automobiles, Mr. Wassil took employment as an auto body repair mechanic with the former Roscoe Miller Cadillac Company of downtown Wilkes-Barre.  He later became self-employed, caring for the occasional scratches and dents of area residents' autos for many years.  He personally rebuilt a 1959 Rolls Royce, which he would proudly drive about town and would drive as chauffer for a number of area weddings.

     A devout Catholic, Mr. Wassil was a member of the Parish of Saint Andre Besstte, North Wilkes-Barre.  He previously attended St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, where he served as Boy Scout Troop leader for Troop #90.  His tenure with scouting allowed for his helping several area youth, including his own son, attain the rank of Eagle Scout.  He later held membership with Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church until its closure and subsequent merger into Saint Andre Bessette.

     In his spare time, he lived life to the fullest; enjoying the many river rafting trips with his son, Gerry and the annual vacations to the shore with his daughter Jackie and her family.

     Fraternally, Mr. Wassil held membership in the Brookside Post #837 of the American Legion, where he previously served in a variety of offices including Past Post Commander.  He would often be seen in attendance to serve military honors detail of fallen Legion members over the years.  Above all, Mr. Wassil is remembered as being a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all who knew him.  His physical presence will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

     He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mrs. Anne (Koscielnik) Wassil on June 6, 1971; by his second wife, Barbara (Rosengrant) Wassil; by his son, Gerald J. Wassil, Esquire on December 20, 2008; by sisters, Mrs. Theresa Hatalski, Mrs. Marie Davis and Mrs. Irene Latsko; and most recently by his brother, Mr. Frank J. Wassil on September 13, 2021.

     Left to cherish the wonderful memories they share of him are his daughter, Mrs. Jackie Keiser and her husband Robert of Warrior Run; daughter-in-law, Mrs. Louise Wassil of Kingston and Fort Myers, Fl;  Three grandsons; Robert (Keri); Dietrich (Melissa); Matthew (Shannon);  Five Great-grandchildren, Caleb, Hayley, Noah, Dietrich and Lucas; Numerous Nieces, Nephews and dear friends.

     Funeral services for Mr. Wassil will be conducted on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. from the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street, followed by his funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. in the Parish of Saint Andre Bessette, 668 North Main Street.  The Reverend Kenneth M. Seegar, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.

     Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery, 1594 South Main Street, Hanover Township, where military honors will be accorded by members of the United States Army Funeral Honors Detail.

     Relatives and friends may join Mr. Wassil's family for visitation and shared remembrances at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Thursday morning.

     In lieu of floral tributes, memorial donations in Mr. Wassil's memory would be greatly appreciated towards the Hanover Green Cemetery, 689 Main Road, Hanover Township, PA 18706.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John M. Wassil, please visit our floral store.