John Melnick Jr.

John Melnick Jr. 83, of Minersville, was called home to his Eternal Father on Tuesday April 23, 2024, at his homestead in Minersville surrounded by his caregiver. In February of this year, John was told his Cancer has taken over and there was nothing more to do. His wishes were to come home and be comfortable. His caregivers, brothers Raymond and Edward made that possible for him to remain in his house for the past 2 months by staying by his side.

Born December 10, 1940, John was a 1958 Graduate of Minersville High School. John started his love for golf while he caddied at the Schuylkill Country Club during and after High School.

John’s love for sports did not stop at golf it extended to baseball (New York Mets), football (Washington Redskins), and Bowling. He was a retired member of the Goodwill Fire Company. An active member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church Minersville. He enjoyed his Wednesday Flea Market trips and collecting golf balls to pass the time.

John worked for Van Hausen for 21 years before going to Reading Anthracite and retiring from Lehigh Coal and Navigating.

During his careers and interactions with friends he acquired many nicknames: Putski, Silly Pickle, Plicker, Uncle Ju Ju and Junior.

John is preceded in death by his mother Anna (Sema) Melnick and John Melnick Sr and many other aunts, uncles, family, and friends that he was looking forward to being reunited with. There for sure was a party at the pearly gates when Junior arrived.

John is survived by his 2 brothers. Raymond E (his caregiver) and Edward G both of Minersville. Sister-in-Law Anna Marie Melnick, Port Carbon. Nieces Melissa Ann Melnick, Jonestown, and Kimberly Marie Gracely (wife of Shawn), Port Carbon. Great Nephew Gunner Lee Gracely, and Great Niece Isabelle ‘Izzy’ Whitney Hauser, as well as Godchildren, Karen Miller, Delaware and Tony Roland, Carlisle, and several other cousins.

John was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them and if you knew him, you knew it. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength and full of love for those who went before him. He will be missed dearly.

The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice for their care and compassion over the past 2 months.

A Visitation will be held 6:00 to 8:00 pm Tuesday April 30, at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. As well Wednesday morning from 7:00 to 9:30 am at the funeral home. A Requiem Divine Liturgy will be celebrated Wednesday, May 1 at 10:00 am at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church with Reverend Mark Fesniak celebrant, and Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko concelebrant. Interment Parish Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School Fund.

Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.

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