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Obituary
John C. Probert Jr., 85, passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, Tuesday, October 31st. Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late John C. and Helen (Haegele) Probert Sr., and was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Hazleton.
He was an Army veteran. John was a Penn State graduate and an Electrical Engineer with PP&L for 38 years. He was a 60 year member of Hazle, Azalea, Fellowship Masonic Lodge #327, a 32nd degree member of the Scottish Right, and a Shriner, as well as a member of the Hazleton Square and Compass Club where he always looked forward to catering their annual outing. John unselfishly managed and served as board president of the Hazleton Cemetery Association (Vine Street Cemetery) up to the time of his passing. John loved history and was the unofficial historian of the Hazleton area. He also served as treasurer for Hazleton Meals on Wheels.
John was a lifetime member of Boy Scout Troop 17, Cub Master, and he held various leadership positions in the local district as well. He led groups to Philmont Scout Reservation, helped build over 32 Pinewood Derby cars for his grandsons and instructed Cub Scouts and their families on their construction.
John had many hobbies and passions. He was a master woodworker, gardener, and automobile restorer. He enjoyed tending to his many plants, tropical fish, patio, Model A’s and Harley Davidsons. He loved shopping for food and cooking amazing meals, including his own bread and desserts. He enjoyed spending time with his many grandchildren and was always eager to give them history lessons at the dinner table.
John mentored countless youths. He was a substitute teacher at MMI and was the advisor of their JETS (Junior Engineering Technology Society) Club. He tutored many students in mathematics.
John took great joy in spreading his faith, in a practical manner, to the teens in his Sunday School class at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hazleton, as well as serving as Youth Group advisor.
There wasn’t a person John met that he didn’t enjoy getting to know, and he shared his vast knowledge of many subjects with all.
Surviving are his wife of 57 years, the former Betty J. Miller; children David John Probert and wife Stephanie, Drums, Dr. Christine Cabell and husband Frank, Sugarloaf, and Jennifer Mariano and husband Tony Mariano, Harrisburg; grandchildren SPC Jonathon Probert, Anna and Laine Cabell, and Andrew, Aidan and Nicholas Mariano; step-grandsons Jonathan Stacey and Rep. Michael Cabell; brothers Carl F. Probert and wife Dorothy, Damascus, MD and Richard E. Probert and wife Dr. Carmelita Britton, Sackets Harbour, NY; sister Helen Badamo, Drums; and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
His funeral service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 210 W. Green Street, Hazleton, at 10 A.M., Friday, November 10th. Visitation will begin at 9 A.M., preceding the service. Interment will take place at the Vine Street Cemetery, immediately following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Meals on Wheels, Hazleton, 1060 N. Peace St., Hazleton, PA 18201 or to Christ Lutheran Church, 210 W Green St., Hazleton, PA 18201. The Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton, is in charge of the arrangements. -
Guestbook
Visitation
Friday, November 10th
9-10 A.M.
Christ Lutheran Church
210 W. Green St., Hazleton, PA 18201
Services
Friday, November 10th
10 A.M.
Christ Lutheran Church
210 W. Green St., Hazleton, PA 18201
Vine Street Cemetery
Vine St., Hazleton, PA 18201