John Paul ‘Jack’ Skitka
OBITUARY
John Paul Jack Skitka, 87, of Allentown, passed away Sunday, November 23 at Lehigh Valley HospitalCedar Crest. Born in Hazleton on September 4, 1938, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Helen (Patnovic) Skitka. He was the loving husband to Nancy Louise (Baran) Skitka, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage.
Jack was of Catholic faith and a past member of St. Joseph the Worker R.C.C., Orefield, PA. Jack’s first job was working as a machinist for Foster-Wheeler in Hazleton after graduating from the Vocational Technical School. He would then go on to a job at Dorr-Oliver, where he started as a machinist and worked his way up to Vice President of Global Manufacturing. In his early years while residing in Sybertsville, PA, Jack was an active member of the Sugarloaf Volunteer Fire Co. He worked at Zeiner’s Garage in Hazleton Heights at the age of 16, where he spotted and met the love of his life who passed by the garage frequently. The family moved to Allentown in 1975, where he resided until he passed. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and spent nearly fifty years at the Dream Mile Club, where he served as treasurer and president. The time he spent outdoors with his close friends there brought him lasting joy. Jack also enjoyed golfing with friends and following Philadelphia sports teams. Above all, Jack loved his family and enjoyed spending as much time with them as he could. He especially loved family fishing and boating vacations to Lens Cove in Canada, which he started in 1971 and continued until 2024.
In addition to Nancy, his wife of 68 years, Jack is survived by his children, Linda Steber (Tim), Diane McFarland (Darryl), John Skitka (Katherine), sister Ann Kohuth, grandchildren Kristin Grazer (Joe), Joseph Skitka, Kelly Gausch (Samson), Michael McFarland, Kari Skitka (Patrick Gleeson), Megan Luff (Thomas), and Mary Kate Skitka, great-grandchildren Chase, Kora, Helen, Peter, and Marlowe.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
A Viewing will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 5:00-7:00PM, at Heintzelman-Stephens Funeral Home, 274 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown, PA 18106. A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with an additional calling time being held from 10:00-11:00AM, also at the funeral home.
John Paul ‘Jack’ Skitka
November 23, 2025