Obituary of John Paul Antosh

John Paul Antosh, 82 of Tunkhannock died Sunday evening at Tyler Memorial Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Phyllis Fassett Antosh. John was born in Plains, Pa on February 2, 1930 son of the late John and Mary Wendrovich Wender Antosh. He was a 1947 graduate of Tunkhannock High school where he played football and baseball for the Tigers. Following graduation he joined the Navy in 1948 and served a 20 year career attaining the rank of Chief of Stores, serving the Navy and his country in the Korean conflict as well as Vietnam. He served upon the Presidential Yacht, the USS Williamsburg under President Truman, USS Hyman, USS Card and the USS Annapolis. John was a recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. While aboard the USS Annapolis, John received a letter of Commendation as Chief Petty Officer in charge of Receiving/Stowage for an “Outstanding” during Annual Inspection. The inspector’s remarks included praise that the storerooms of the Annapolis were the “best in the Westpac area”. This pride in a job well done would follow him throughout his life. Upon discharge from the Navy in 1967 John and Family returned to Tunkhannock to become proprietor of the former Fassett’s Dept. Store and subsequently The Wicker Shop. He also sponsored and coached Fassett’s Little League Team for several years and was also part of the committee formed to investigate the possibility of the Tunkhannock By-Pass. John enjoyed fishing, hunting and was an avid golfer. He would talk golf to all who would listen. He gave golf lessons for several decades; extending his love of the game to hundreds of students including his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and received the honor of Third Degree. John was passionate about the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State Football rooting “his teams” on to victory every Saturday and Sunday. John will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by brothers Fred and Albert Antosh. In addition to his wife, John is survived by his six children, Catherine and husband Paul Wendolowski of Clarks Summit, Steven and wife Karen Antosh of Mehoopany, Patricia and husband Gary Kowalski of Denver, NC, John Antosh of Tunkhannock, Harry and wife Wendy Antosh of Glendale, and Micheline and husband Robert MacDonald of West Chester, OH; sisters Genevieve Nudo and Barbara Russo as well as 14 grandchildren, Paul and wife Darcie Wendolowski, Carolyn Wendolowski, David Antosh, Daniel Antosh, Chris and wife Robynn Markunas, Erin Antosh, Michael Antosh, Dusty Robinson and fiancé Heather MacLennen, Tanya and husband Bryson Mcewen, Robert and wife Elizabeth Hagemann, Corey Kowalski, Kelli Kowalski, Megan MacDonald, Andrea MacDonald and 4 great-grandchildren LucieGrace Cusack, Chase Markunas, Croix Markunas and Tatum Robinson as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. A blessing service will be held on Thursday at 11 am from the Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, 73 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock with Father Richard Polmounter presiding. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6 – 9 pm. Interment will be in Sunnyside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions made to a charity of the donor’s choice. On line condolences may be sent to the family at www.sheldonkukuchkafuneralhome.com