John M. Donelan, 80, of the Minooka section of Scranton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 24, at PAM Health Specialty Unit of the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, after a lengthy illness. Born in Elizabeth, N.J. on Nov. 3, 1943, Jack was the eldest son of the late John and Catherine (Gildea) Donelan. Raised in the South Side section of Scranton, Jack received his education at the former St. Mary's of the Assumption and Scranton Technical High Schools. In August 1963, Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force and completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Following assignments at military bases throughout the United States, Jack was deployed to South Vietnam in 1966. During his final year of service, Jack was stationed with the 19th Air Commando Squadron at Bien Hoa and Tan Son Nhut air bases near Saigon. While serving in country, Jack was wounded during an attack on his base and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for his injury as a result of enemy action. Rising to the rank of sergeant, Jack also received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal for his service to his country. After completing a four-year enlistment, Jack returned to Scranton and married his high school sweetheart, the former Marian Patachnick, on Sept. 14, 1968, in St. Joseph's Church, Scranton. During their 55-year marriage, Jack and Marian built a beautiful life. Not only did they find joy in raising their sons, Andrew and John, but also shared their love with their five grandchildren, great-grandson and extended family. A wonderful provider for his family, Jack worked for several Scranton-area businesses including the American Can Company, but he worked most of his career in the machining operations department at the Tobyhanna Army Depot, retiring in 2005. Ever committed to his family and work, Jack also knew it was important to help others in need and serve his community. For nearly 30 years, Jack dedicated his spare time to several organizations including the Minooka Lions Club serving as president, American Legion Connolly Post 568 serving as the commander, the Minooka Little League as a coach and the Minooka Notre Dame Club serving as president and noted for running numerous "legendary" bus trips to Notre Dame football games in South Bend, Ind. Following his meetings and at home, he also enjoyed watching New York Yankees, Notre Dame football, New York Giants and Boston Celtics games with his family and friends. In recognition of his leadership, vision and abilities, Jack received numerous Lions Club awards including the International Foundation's Melvin Jones Fellow Award for dedicated humanitarian services, the Lions of Pennsylvania Fellow Award, three-time recipient of the Minooka Lion of the Year Award, the Minooka Lions President Award, the Minooka Lions Outstanding Service Award, the Minooka Lions Outstanding Service as Treasurer Award and the Appreciation Award from the 14-H district governor for serving as zone chairman B. Equally devoted to his faith, Jack also served his parish, Divine Mercy, as a Eucharistic minister, parish council member and summer picnic volunteer. While he certainly enjoyed his many community endeavors, Jack often said he could not accomplish any of them without the support of his beloved wife, Marian. Always by his side helping him to help others, Marian also provided great care for Jack during his illness. Using her professional nursing expertise, Marian was faithful to her marriage vow of loving Jack "in sickness and health." Her love and support extended his life for several years providing family and friends with many more opportunities to enjoy Jack's special gift for storytelling, quick Irish wit and valuable wisdom. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the chance to know him. Surviving in addition to his wife are sons, Andrew Donelan and his wife, Lisa, Cockeysville, Md.; John M. Donelan and his wife, Jacqueline, Moosic; grandchildren, Patrick Donelan, CPA, New York City; U.S. Army Sgt. John J. Donelan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; Kate Donelan, R.N., Cockeysville, Md.; Sean Donelan, Moosic; Ryan Donelan, Moosic; great-grandson, Aiden; sisters, Mary "Dolly" Costa and her husband, Robert, Scranton; Lorraine Borthwick, Duryea; and a brother, Thomas "Tucker" Donelan and his wife, Blanche, Scranton. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Kobal; brother-in-law, Jack Borthwick; and sister-in-law, Joanne Samsock. The funeral will be at 9:15 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, from Eagen-Hughes Funeral Home, 2908 Birney Ave., Scranton, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish, 312 Davis St., Scranton, to be celebrated by the Rev. Paul McDonnell, O.S.J., pastor. Interment will be in Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst, with military honor services. Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Minooka Lions Club Scholarship Fund, which Jack founded, c/o of their meeting location, Joyce's Café, 2734 Birney Ave., Scranton, PA 18505.

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