Obituaries

John “Jack” Kretsch, a longtime Scranton resident, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday evening at Geisinger Community Medical Center. He was 77 years old.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Mary Margaret Kretsch. The couple were married on November 12, 1966.

Born on November 4, 1946, and raised in Dunmore, Jack was the son of the late Theodore and Margaret (Keenan) Kretsch. A proud graduate of the former Cathedral High School’s Class of 1964 where he long served on the class reunion committee, shortly after graduation Jack enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

Stationed on Mather Air Force Base just outside Sacramento, Ca., he would meet Mary in California and marry in 1966. A year later he was stationed in Iceland and before his honorable discharge and return to Scranton he would earn the rank of sergeant.

Prior to his well deserved retirement, Jack led a 42 year career in banking where he served as a well-respected manager. His calm demeanor, perpetual smile and dry sense of humor made him impossible not to like. His career began at the West Side Bank before United Penn (later Mellon Bank) and ultimately Pennstar (NBT Bank).

For nearly 40 years, Jack was a U.S.A. amateur baseball umpire and his love for the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles was unmatched.

Above all else came Jack’s family. His love of American and European history led him on many family trips, especially to Ireland and colonial Williamsburg.

Along with his beloved wife, he is survived by his loving daughters, Michelle Kretsch of Greenbelt, Md., Danielle Kretsch of Scranton and Wendy Diehl and husband Ed of Mayfield; a brother, Karl Kretsch of Dunmore; and two grandchildren, Devin and Matthew Diehl.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 801 Taylor Ave., Scranton, with military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard to follow. Entombment, Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville. Those wishing to attend the funeral are asked to go directly to church.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Friday between 4-7:00 PM at the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton. Jack requested his mourners only dress in casual clothes (no suits!) or jerseys (no Yankees jerseys allowed).

In lieu of flowers (Jack thought they were a waste of money), memorial contributions may be made in his name to either The Erin Fund, Inc. c/o 1328 Myrtle Street, Scranton, Pa. 18510 or Special Olympics c/o P.O. Box 419, Honesdale, Pa., 18431.