John J. Kalinich, 88, a lifelong resident of Scranton, died Saturday at the Mountain View Care Center, Scranton. His wife the former Mary Lou McGettrick, died on September 5, 1979. Born in Scranton on April 1, 1929, he was the son of the late John and Agnes Linko Kalinich. A 1947 graduate of West Scranton High School, he proudly served in the Army with the 3rd Armored Division as a Tech Sergeant and was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three Battle Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Marksman Badge. Before retirement, John was a long-time employee of Manus Langan Printing (later Kisel Printing) and was an active member and officer in the Printing Pressman’s Union. John was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic and a member of the American Ukrainian Veterans Association (UKAVETS), American Legion Kosciuszko Post 207, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3451, the Knights of
Columbus and the Greek Catholic Union. He is survived by his son John (Jeri Ann) and daughters, Christine Kunz (David), Kathy Ford (Malcolm), Karen Brennan (George) and six grandchildren, his sisters, Anne Kalinich and Margaret Onufrak and a host of nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Leona Kalinich, Marie Slovenkai and Agnes (Peggy) Rodey. The family wishes to thank the staff of Mountain View Care Center for their compassionate care during John’s final days. A Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held on Saturday at 9:30 am in St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Linden Street, Scranton, celebrated by Rev. Leonard A. Martin, S.J., Pastor. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery with Military Honors. Viewing for family and friends will be on Friday, 4 to 7 pm, in the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton. Kosciuszko American Legion Post 207 will conduct services on Friday at 6:45 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to Honor Flight (www.honorflight.org) or the Mountain View Care Center Residents Recreation Fund (www.geisinger.org)
