Obituaries

Justin Thomas White, 28, of Avoca and formerly from Old Forge, was tragically taken from his loved ones much too soon Saturday Morning as a result of an automobile accident.

Justin, or “Puff” as he was affectionately known, was a 2013 graduate of Old Forge High School. He also attended Wilkes Barre Area Vo-Tech where he was named ‘Student of the Year’ and had the honor of giving his class commencement address. While attending Vo-Tech Justin participated in the Skills U.S.A. Program where he not only was the district wide winner, he was also named State Champion. He then went on to UTI in Exton, PA where he finished first in the entire nation in their scholarship test. Justin was an extremely talented and gifted individual who used his many talents in local automobile dealerships. His first job at 16 was at Scott Flanagan Auto Detailing. There was nothing he could not fix or do. He certainly had a passion for excitement and he enjoyed anything that had a motor and wheels especially the two wheeled ones.

Justin struggled for years with addiction but as he also faced his own demons, he still helped many people deal with theirs. He had a big heart and an amazing work ethic. Nobody could say a bad word about him and he would drop anything to help a person in need from changing a flat tire in the middle of the night to just being an ear for someone struggling. He is going to be missed by many.

He is survived by Colton, his son who he truly loved more than anything in life, and his longtime companion, Sarah Srebro who have been together since junior high school; his parents, Randy and Lisa (Sgobba) White of Avoca; siblings, William Harris and wife Lindsay of Old forge and Kara White and her companion Colin Devlin of Philadelphia; maternal and paternal grandmothers, Helen Sgobba of Avoca, and AnneMarie White of Taylor; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and most importantly, countless friends who affectingly referred to him as “Puff”, and many of whom considered Justin a brother.

He was proceeded in death by his maternal and paternal grandfathers, John W. Sgobba, and Everette P. White, both of whom shared a special bond with Justin.

His family would like to thank Drs. Littlejohn and Morrales and the entire ICU staff at Geisinger Community Medical Center and also to the Covington Twp. Fire Department for their tireless efforts and attempts to save Justin’s life.

A celebration of Justin’s life is scheduled for Saturday at noon in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, to be conducted by Rev. Paul McDonnell. Burial will follow at the Italian-American Cemetery in Scranton. Family and friends may pay their respects at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 AM until services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in honor of Colton c/o the Colton John White Education Fund. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.