John Pribanic, Sr.’s blessed journey ended peacefully at age 108 on May 31, 2018 at the Cadia Renaissance Nursing Home in Millsboro, DE. Formerly a resident of the Pittsburgh area, he moved to Dover, DE and lived at State Street Assisted Living for 12 years before moving to Millsboro. Born on June 22, 1909 in Zdenac, Croatia, he and his mother, Ana, arrived at Ellis Island on September 17, 1912 to join his father, Franjo Pribanic in the Pittsburgh area. Quitting school in ninth grade, he began working at Westinghouse to help his family but was laid off during the Great Depression. He found construction work on the Montgomery Locks and Dam and in coke plants in nearby Midland, PA where he met his future wife, Pauline Wasko. They married in 1940 and together they raised two sons, Tom and John. Returning to Westinghouse, he continued working until his retirement after 45 years. He served as a commissioner for the North Versailles Water Authority for 10 years. John moved to Dover, Delaware at age 92. While living at State Street, he served as the honorary Heart Walk Marshall for seven years, proudly starting the participants on their way and was awarded Kent County Levy Court personal recognition for his contributions to the community. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Pauline, his parents, Anna and Frank, brothers, Frank, Joseph, Tom, and George, sister, Anne, nephew, Joseph, and great nephew, Robert Elizius. He is survived by his sons, Tom and wife Dee, and John and wife Diane. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Catherine Strouse, Diane Buchner and husband, Tom, Paula Ament and husband Robert, Lt. Col.Tracie Hough, and great grandchildren, 2nd Lt. John Buchner, Ariel Strouse, Jessica Ament, Alissa Strouse, and Michael Buchner as well as numerous cherished nieces and nephews. The family sends their appreciation for the excellent care afforded him by both Cadia Renaissance and Compassionate Care Hospice. Friends are welcome on Wednesday from 9-10:30 a.m. at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home, Turtle Creek/Monroeville Chapel, 1111 Monroeville Ave., Turtle Creek, PA 15145. Mass of Christian Burial will follow in St. Colman Church on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. with interment in Good Shepherd Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Compassionate Care Hospice, 20165 Office Circle, Suite 2, Georgetown, DE 19947 or to the American Heart Association.
Local Arrangements are by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director, Inc. Dover, DE.