Emil James Haraschak

November 3, 1946 - March 18, 2023

Emil James Haraschak passed away at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton with complications days after a high risk heart surgery on March 18, 2023 at the age of 76.
Emil was born November 3, 1946 son of Irma Louise Good Haraschak and Emil (Blackie) Haraschak. He was a graduate of Foster Township, Class of 1964. He then served 5 years in the United States Navy as a Radioman, stationed in California, Hawaii, Philippines, and Vietnam, and is a Veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a graduate of Luzerne County Community College majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management.
Upon his return from serving in the Navy he met his wife Barbara Jeffreys. They dated for 7 years before they were married and recently celebrated their 48th Wedding Anniversary. They moved from the area, living in New Jersey, and working in NYC where he was a Hotel/Restaurant Manager for Restaurant Associates and National Restaurants.
They moved back to Freeland in 1981 to raise a family, having two sons, Jeffrey James Haraschak, and James Johnathan Haraschak. Upon their return he opened, owned, and operated EJ’s Pub for a number of years and is often remember for his Black Diamond Steaks and Smog Pizza. Emil worked several other jobs in his lifetime including the Keystone Job Corps, where he worked for 28 years until his passing. He was a member of the Park United Methodist Church.
Emil loves baseball, playing before and throughout high school, and later coached as a hobby before coaching and passing on his passion to his sons. He is an avid Pittsburgh Sports fan, especially the Pirates and the Steelers. He and his wife also developed a love of NY Rangers hockey together while working and living around New York City. He is an animal lover, enjoyed watching birds and other animals outside, and really loved his family’s pet cats, especially his boys Jake and Bandit.
Above all else Emil loved his family and went above and beyond in any way he could for his wife, sons, and grandchildren who will keep his memory alive for generations to come.
Preceding in his death besides his parents was his Son Jeffrey James Haraschak. Surviving is his Wife Barbara Jeffreys Haraschak and Son James Johnathan Haraschak, Daughter-in law Linda (Lucky) Massa and Grandchildren Marlie Skye Haraschak, Tristan Sage Haraschak, and Darian Steel Haraschak.
A Celebration Of Life will be held at McNulty Funeral Home 494 East Butler Dr. Freeland on Sunday March 26, 2023 where friends may visit from 2:00 pm to 4:00pm. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations can be made at the Community Bank in Freeland for the Grandchildren’s Education Fund.