John Paul Marcinek

John passed away peacefully on November 8, 2017 in hospice care in Loma Linda, California with family by his side. He is now home in heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

John was born in Shamokin, Coal Township, Pennsylvania on February 12, 1922.

He was a son of the late Michael J. and Elizabeth (Sebek) Marcinek who migrated from Slovakia as teens in the early 1900's. His father founded Marcineks Inc. Beer Distributors in 1908 and the business continued in the family until 2008.

He was a graduate of St. Mary's Elementary School in Shamokin and Coal Township High School.

John joined the US Army in 1943 studying in the Army Specialized Training program at Texas A&M and Syracuse University. He was a Corporal in the 104th "Timberwolf" Infantry Division and fought in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany. In April 1945, he accepted the surrender of the commandant of the German slave labor camp at Dora-Nordhausen, being the only American soldier that spoke Slovak.

Returning from the war, John graduated from Bucknell University in 1950. He was president of his fraternity at Bucknell.

John was an accomplished diver, touring the country with Johnny Weissmuller of Tarzan fame in the 1940's and directing the annual Aquacade at Shamokin Valley Country Club in the late 40's and early 50's.

John was an entrepreneur, civic leader, key manager for Henry Kaiser and held successful sales positions for Marcineks Inc., 3M and Kaiser Aluminum, in Pennsylvania, New York City and San Francisco.

"Uncle John" as he was affectionately called by his loving family was always giving charming compliments to all. John was a selfless caregiver for many people, caring for his wives, mothers-in-law and close friends both in San Francisco and Indian Wells.

At the age of 70 he founded SAF-r-DIG Utility Surveys, Inc. in 1992 and added in 1996 KA-TE Robotics in Palm Desert, CA. He and his beloved wife Nina Sue managed the business for 20 years. John was a pioneer in the underground utility survey business. He was an avid stock market investor and financial planner. He was a financial mentor and life coach to his 27 nieces and nephews.

He thoroughly enjoyed his extended family, his travels and his work. Survivors are a sister, Betty Katona of Kulpmont,PA., brother and sister-in-law Jim and Debbie Robeson of Chino,CA along with numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nephews and grandnieces. He was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Nina Sue in 2016 and wife Margie Gribbons in 1984; a sister, Helen Kurtz, and brothers Stephen E. Sr., Matthew (Jim) A., and Frank J. Marcinek.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, November 11 from 10 AM to noon at Miller- Jones Mortuary, 1835 North Perris Blvd. Perris, CA 92571. Burial will be at the Riverside National Cemetery on Friday, November 17, 2017 at 9:30am.

Please no flowers. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in John Marcinek's honor to:

Checks payable to - Northumberland County Veterans Emergency Fund

Send to Veteran's Affairs

217 N. Center St.

Sunbury, PA 17801

This fund helps veterans who are struggling with bills - such as rent, heat, medical expenses, etc.