John J. Witchin Sr.

March 14, 1931 - May 31, 2018

John J. Witchin Sr. 87 formally of Freeland and Eckley passed away Thursday morning at Fritzingertown Senior Living Community.
Born in Eckley he was the son of the late Nicholas and Julia (Nagle) Witchin.
He was a member of the former St. Casimir’s Church, Freeland where he was an usher for many years and a member of Good Shepherd Church, Drums.
John was an honorably discharged National Guardsman with the rank of SGT. 1st class anti aircraft artillery where he served for 12 years. He was one of many Freeland Citizens during 1948 to 1960 era to travel to Tamaqua.
Before retiring he was the owner of John J. Witchin Plumbing and Heating for 28 years, Bricklayer for the former Bethlehem Steel for 10 years, mason for James Deitos Masonry, assembler for the former Foster Wheeler for 10 years, technician for the former Herbener’s Fuel Service, and an installer for the former Edward G. Herbener plumbing and heating.
John was a member of Arbutus Lodge #611 F&A Masonic Lodge, Elks Lodge 200 Hazleton and the former Elks lodge Freeland where he was a 3 time exhaled ruler, past president of the Freeland Rotary and the Hazleton Area Polonaise Society, member of the former St. John’s Band, and a life member of the Eckley Social and Sports Club.
Preceding him in death in addition to his parents was his Wife the former Ruth E. Herbener; May 21, 2013. Son; Joseph S. Witchin. Brother; Joseph John Witchin, and Sister; Helen Witchin also preceded him in death.
John was the last survivor of his parents and siblings.
Surviving are his Sons; John J. Jr. and his wife Karen -Upper Lehigh, Thomas and his wife Sharon- Freeland, Michael and his wife Martha-Freeland, and Edward and his wife Christine- Marshals Creek. Daughters; Jean Bangor- New Mexico and Alice Diehl and her husband Harry- Maryland. Former son in law; Pat Bangor. Many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral will be held Tuesday 9:30am from the McNulty Funeral Home 494 East Butler Dr. Freeland with Mass of Christian Burial 10am in Good Shepherd, Drums.
Burial will follow in St. Casimir’s Cemetery, Freeland.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 6 to 9pm.
The following will be celebrated Monday evening. Prayer service, military services, Elks, and Masonic services.