John “Buddy” Brislin July 24, 1934 – May 11, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers Sign Guestbook| Send Sympathy Card John E. Brislin, 84, Hazleton, died Saturday morning at his home with his loving wife and caregiver by his side. Born in Hazleton, July 24, 1934, he was a son of the late Joseph J. and Dorothy (Minsenberger) Brislin, Sr. John had a strong faith and was an active member of the Holy Annunciation Parish, Church of St. Gabriel where he attended adoration at the church chapel from the day of its inception. After graduating from Hazleton High School in 1952, John enlisted in the Navy and served during the Korean War aboard the USS Marquette.
He was assigned to the bridge and had the distinct duty of keeping the captain’s daily ship log which was reported directly to Washington DC. Following his military service, John was introduced to his lifelong career in plumbing as his dad named him manager of Joseph J. Brislin Plumbing and Heating Contractor. John went on to join the Pipe Fitters Local 524 where he was always the foreman or general foreman on the various jobs handled thru that union.
He studied at Penn State with a concentration in Drafting. He was proud of his Irish and German heritage and enjoyed spending time fishing, hunting, gardening and traveling. But most of all, he was a devoted father and husband who loved spending time with his family.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents were his son Thomas Brislin; brother Joseph Brislin and infant sister Dorothy Ann Brislin. Surviving are his wife of 63 years, the former Eleanor Garshell; sons John Brislin (Marion), Timothy, Joseph and Robert Brislin; and daughters Mary Beth Brislin and Ann Marie Zapotocky (Larry). Also surviving are grandchildren Bethany Brislin, Kelly DeBalko, Mitchell Brislin, Joseph Brislin, Renee Haase and Larry, Tommy and Danny Zapotocky; great grandchildren A.J. Haase and Olivia and Emma DeBalko; brothers Robert Brislin (Mary Ellen), Father Thomas Brislin, CP and Philip Brislin (Mary Ann); sisters Mary Tierney (John) and Sister Lucille Brislin, RSM along with many nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 11:00 AM in the Holy Annunciation Parish, Church of St. Gabriel, 122 South Wyoming Street, Hazleton. A private burial will follow in the St. Gabriel’s Parish Cemetery, Hazleton. Family and friends may call at the church Wednesday morning from 10:00 AM until time of service.
Donations “In Memory of John” to St. Gabriel’s Church, C/O Capital Campaign, 122 South Wyoming Street, Hazleton, PA 18201, which will be used to help restore the church, are welcomed by the family. Krapf and Hughes Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the family through their Hazle Chapel.
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