Source: Lehighton Times-News, May 14, 1997

JABBO, SHARPE, PRIGGINS NAMED COALDALE INDUCTEES.

The late John "Teeler" Jabbo, the late Joseph "Chappy" Sharpe and Frank "Perky" Priggins have been selected as Coaldale's inductees for the 7th Annual Carbon County Area Sports Hall of Fame banquet on May 25 at Dean Anthony's in Jim Thorpe.

John "Teeler" Jabbo

Nicknames are synonymous with great athletes in the "hard coal" regions and one of the most mentioned is "Teeler." The name conjures up thoughts of speed and shiftiness, which characterized this gifted Coaldale High School graduate. Jabbo, the son of the late Michael and Tillie Jabbo, attended Coaldale High School and graduated with the class of 1941. While in high school, he played varsity football for three seasons under Coach Tom "Doc" Raymer. His forte was open-field running and he was regarded as one of the best in the region. He was speed personified, and it was evident on the area's track scene. He was unbeatable in the 100-yard dash, holding the District 11 record for over 25 years with a 10.1 time that had a few overtones. The feat was accomplished one afternoon in Pottsville. "Teeler" broke at the starting line, was penalized five yards and despite running 105 yards still bested the field to set the record. After graduating from Coaldale High, he entered the U.S. Coast Guard, serving from 1942 to 1946. John was married to the former Anna Luta and resided in Shenandoah before passing away earlier this year. Two sisters, Rose, wife of Peter Stricek, and Mildred, wife of Thomas Barrett, both live in Coaldale. An older brother Joseph was killed during World War II.

March 1, 1997

John "Teeler" Jabbo

John "Teeler" Jabbo, 76, a Coaldale native and former star athlete in that community, died Friday in Ashland Regional Medical Center, Ashland. He was the husband of Anne (Luta) Jabbo. At the time of his death they resided at 228 W. Mount Vernon St., Shenandoah.

Born in Coaldale, he was a son of the late Michael and Tillie Jabbo.

In 1941 he graduated from the former Coaldale High School after earning a reputation as one of the fastest athletes ever to emerge from the Coal Regions.

"Teeler" played football his last three years in high school under the late Coach Tom "Doc" Raymer where his forte was open-field running.

His greatest athletic triumph, however, may have come in track and field competition.

He was unbeatable int he 100-yard dash on a team regarded as one of the best in the area.

He held the District XI 100-yard dash mark for more than 25 years with a time of 10.1 seconds. He was also a member of some record-breaking relay teams at Coaldale.

Following graduation, "Teeler" entered the military as a Coast guardsman, serving from 1942-1946. He later worked for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Co. until it ceased operations. During this time he became affiliated with the Lansford Blue Devils, a semi-professional football team. He later worked road construction before securing wmployment with the Silberline Manufacturing Co. He retired in 1983.

He was a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Coaldale, and was a 50-year member of the Coaldale Volunteer Fire Co.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and this year he was a candidate to be inducted into the Carbon County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Surviving with his widow are two sisters, Rose Stricek and Mildred Barrett, both of Coaldale. Also, nieces and nephews.

The Oravitz Home For Funerals, Inc., Shenandoah, is in charge of arrangements.

John G. Sarge