It is indeed rare to be granted the blessing of 87 healthy, happy years of life well-lived. John D. Borzell, of Falls, was blessed with just that before passing away on Saturday, September 23, peacefully at the home he built for his family and himself.
“Jack,” as he preferred to be called, was a loving, devoted husband, to Donna Stanton for 47 years; a strong, kindhearted father to sons, Jackie, Bobby, Lee and Dominic; a trusted, reliable friend to so many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sebastian and Marie; Grandfather, Dominick Sabatelli; grandson, John Anthony “Beno” Borzell; and Gramma Lucy, who undoubtedly, took his hand and brought her “Jackie” home.
Jack is survived by his wife, Donna; sons-- John, and his wife, Mary Claire, West Pittston; Robert, and his wife, Cindy, Wyoming; Lee, Harvey’s Lake; and Dominic, Falls; Sisters—Evelyn (and Edward) Levandowski and Jeanne Roman, both of Pittston; Grandchildren- Julianna Lucia Borzell and Brandon Borzell; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many wonderful friends.
After graduating from West Pittston High School in 1948, he became a boilermaker by trade, spending most of his working life with Local 13 out of Philadelphia, and recently becoming a 50 year member. Jack spent his early years driving a beer truck for Beretta Beverage, which provided him with tons of memorbilia, plenty of stories, and a great sense of direction. Prior to this, he had served in active duty in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Seargent, and serving his country in the Korean Conflict before returning home. The boilermakers, however, provided the foundation upon which he built his family and his home, and allowed him the opportunity to enjoy his favorite pastimes— including camping at the shore, snowmobiling in the Adirondacks, and boating at the Chesapeake, Canada, Thousand Islands, the Pack, and the Finger Lakes. He enjoyed travel immensely…going on cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, and New England, as well as a cross -country trip in a Winnebago with his family; And taking every opportunity to visit his cousins in Watkins Glen, relaxing at the cabin on Seneca Lake. In October of 2016, he spent several days in Maine, eating lobsters, clay shooting, practicing his archery skills, and enjoying the view of the lighthouses from the rocky shore. He was truly blessed to have seen so much of this great country and be able to enjoy a life full of good people, good times, good food, and never-to-be-forgotten memories.
For more than 25 years, Jack served in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, with much of that time spent as the Commander of local Flotilla 15-03. He spent weekends on patrol at many waterways, taught countless Safe Boating Courses, and instructed many people on how to tie all kinds of knots. Also, a huge supporter of the Red Cross, Jack has donated more than 30 gallons of blood over the years. More recently donating his platelets, finding out that one donation could aid three cancer patients, he donated every two weeks. And at Christmas, there was no one who played a better Santa Claus. He gave of himself in any way possible to help others. There are not enough words to describe his generosity, kindheartedness, good-nature, and pleasant demeanor. He was truly a hero and a blessing to all who knew him. Words cannot express how much Jack will be missed. Our lives are forever better for having him with us for so long, and forever changed by his passing.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gubbiotti Funeral Home 1030 Wyoming Ave. Exeter. Viewing shall be Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9, at the Church of the Holy Redeemer Church, Rt 92 in Falls, with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00a.m. with the Rev. James Alco as celebrant.
Jack will be laid to rest at the Mountain View Burial Park Harding, immediately following mass.
Military Honors will be provided by the AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston Post #180
Jack’s family would like to express the most sincere gratitude to those who helped them persevere the last few months-- doctors, nurses (especially Shannon) and staff of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart, our personal angel -on –earth and nurse, Camille Carroll, and the family and friends who have shown us such overwhelming kindness in so many ways. On behalf of dad, we thank each of you for your assistance and your prayers. The love and support given to us stands as a testament that Jack was truly one of the good guys……Sleep well, dad…though we know you will be waiting up for us……
To send the family an expression of sympathy or an online condolence, please visit www.gubbiottifh.com
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