Obituaries

John Stephen Polishan, age 73, a lifelong resident of West Scranton, died Friday afternoon at Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center in Scranton. He is survived by his beloved wife, Naomi Monahan Polishan. The loving couple would have celebrated a 50th wedding anniversary November 26th.
Born on February 24, 1943, son of the late Francis and Josephine Lorsong Polishan, John was a graduate of West Scranton High School, Class of 1962. A proud veteran of the United States Army, he was stationed in Berlin, Germany, for two years of service. He was awarded Expert (Rifle), National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals for his service before returning home to marry his high school sweetheart, the former Naomi Monahan. For 35 years prior to his retirement, he worked for RCA/Thompson Consumer Electronics. John spearheaded several community programs at RCA/TCE, including children and adult fishing derbies for more than 25 years. In addition, John helped donate winter coats for local children at Christmas, touching the lives of countless people throughout his years.
An outdoorsman, his greatest joy came while either fishing or hunting. He took family fishing trips to Canada and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, especially when he was watching them at their ball games. John will be forever missed by his family and friends.
Of Roman Catholic faith, John was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in West Scranton.
A devoted family man, he is survived by his three children, John Polishan and wife Molly of Roaring Brook Twp., Stephen Polishan and wife Roseann of Scranton and Faith Golay and husband Michael of Scranton; three siblings, Francis Polishan, Jr., and wife Dolores of Scranton, Paul Polishan and wife Gloria of Dunmore and Theresa Minicozzi and husband James of Scranton; Wayne Brauer, brother-in-law and long-time co-worker who John considered another brother; seven adoring grandchildren, Olivia and Michael Golay, Jonah, Samantha, Hunter, Hope and Holden Polishan; and many nieces and nephews. A sister, Ann Marie Boyle, preceded him in death.
His family would like to express their appreciation to the endless amount of family members and dear friends who had been so kind, supportive and loving throughout John’s illness. The family will be forever grateful.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Tuesday at 9:15AM from the Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street in West Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Stephen Krawontka, Associate Pastor. Interment with full military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery, Dunmore.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Monday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home.
In appreciation to the staff of Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center, 401 Penn Ave, Scranton, Pa., 18503.