John Sobolowsky Jr.

John Sobolowsky, Jr., 86, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2013, in Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Virginia Beach, VA. He was the husband of the late Margaret Selfredge of Tamaqua. Born in Coaldale, PA, John graduated from Coaldale High School in 1944. He was the son of the late John and Anna Sobolowsky.He was predeceased by brother, Walter; sister, Olga, and step-daughter, Margaret Ann VanGogh of Tampa, Florida.

John enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945.

He was known by his friends as Ski (Sobolosky).

He spent two tours on the Newport News as a Boatswain Mate and had been promoted to 1st class Petty Officer. He retired from active duty in 1964.

John loved Virginia Beach, VA and worked for the United States Postal Service there for 25 years, retiring in 1989.

John loved gardening, fishing and tending to his cats.

He leaves to cherish his memory, step-daughters, Ethel Dupres of Saddle River, NY, Mary Francis Houston of Jackson Heights, NY, and daughter, Lillie Alex-ander and her husband, Jim of San Diego, California. He was also deeply loved by sisters, Sonya Gerhard and husband Russel of Whitehall, PA; Marie Polansky of Jupiter, FLA. and Ann Trush of Media, PA. John leaves many cousins, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and friends, especially his very dear devoted friend, Patricia Gardner of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Thank you to the staff of Heritage Hall Nursing Home and Heartland Hospice for the loving care given to John.

Services: Viewing will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home, Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, VA on Thursday, June 27, 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service. In lieu of Flowers, please consider contributions in his memory to the "World War II Memorial Fund" in Coaldale, Pennsylvania, in care of Bill Gaddes, 64 Oak Court, Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania 18240.

Published in Times News on June 22, 2013