John Kidda

John Kidda, 91, formerly of Coaldale, died Monday in Pottsville. He was the husband of the late Helen (Riordan) and the late Helen (Haravitch) Kidda, who died in 1996. He was married to his second wife for 47 years.

Prior to retiring, he owned and operated the former Kidda's General Store, in Coaldale, until 1993.

Born in Coaldale, he was a son of the late Andrew and Anna (Dancho) Kidda.

A veteran of World War II, he served with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Kidda was a member of St. Nicholas orthodox Church, Lansford, where he was a past president of the church council.

A 1936 graduate of the former Coaldale High School, he was a former member of several Panther Valley area service organizations.

Surviving are a son, John J. of Allentown; a daughter, Dr. Marlene Rankin of Princeton, N.J., and her husband, William; five sisters, Helen Smith of Pottsville, Eva Benek of Lake Hauto, Julia, wife of Warren Rubel in Indiana, Elizabeth, wife of John Sherbin of Coaldale and Margaret, wife of William Stafford of Kennett Square; three brothers, Michael and his wife, Ann, in Texas, Joseph and his wife, Beatrice in Ohio and Bernard of Coaldale; three granddaughters, Kristyne Kidda, Erin Liersaph and Kiara Putara; one great granddaughter, Gracie Liersaph; nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Andrew; and three sisters, Mary Steltz, Anna Fisher and Irene Momrock.

Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Lansford, with the Rev. Robert Teklionski officiating. Interment, parish cemetery. Call Friday, 6-9 p.m. or Saturday, 9:30-10:30 a.m., August M. Gulla Funeral Home, 130 E. Ridge St., Coaldale. Parastas service Friday, 8:15 p.m., Panachida, Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Online registry at ww.zrgfuneralhomes.com.

Published in Times News on March 16, 2010