Mr. Thomas G. “Chippy” Iskra Sr., 74, a lifelong resident of the North End section of the city passed into Eternal Life Wednesday evening in the comfort of his home surrounded by his beloved family. Born on September 21, 1943 in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son to the late Stephen and Julia (Mizenko) Iskra. Educated in the city schools, he was a member of the 1961 graduating class of the James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.
Until his retirement, Mr. Iskra was employed as a firefighter with the Wilkes-Barre City Bureau of Fire some twenty-three years, beginning his service on January 2, 1975 and retiring from duty on February 22, 1998. Prior to that, he was employed as a school bus driver for the Filippini Bus Company of Plains. In his youth, he served as a P.I.A.A.
umpire for local baseball teams and before that, in the 1950s, was a pitcher with the North End Little League; helping his team make it to championship games in Williamsport. He and his late wife Mary Ann enjoyed the many trips they would make to Atlantic City over the years. He was a member of the Parish of Saint Andre Bessette, North Wilkes-Barre, having previously attended the former Saint Stanislaus Kostka Roman Catholic Church prior to its closure and subsequent merger.
In his spare time and enjoying sports, he was an avid bowler and golfer, participating in several leagues over the years. Tom is remembered by those who knew and loved him as being a loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather who was dedicated to his firefighting profession. Mr. Iskra was preceded in death by his wife, the former Mary Ann Savitsky on December 31, 2012.
At the time of Mrs. Iskra’s passing, the couple shared forty-seven years of married life together. Also preceding him were a brother, Stephen Iskra Jr. and sister, Dolores Serafin. Left to mourn his passing are his children, Thomas G. Jr. and his wife Lisa; David S. Sr. and his wife Amy; Debbie Francis and her husband Clifford and Bernadette Jacob and her husband Jeff, all of Wilkes-Barre; Eleven adoring grandchildren including Maureen, Julia and Thomas Iskra; Melissa Malenovitch and her husband, Mike, Cliff Jr., Justin and Jeremy Francis; David Jr. Courtney, Jenna and Ryan Iskra; Numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors and dear friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Iskra will be conducted on Monday at 10:30 a.m. from the North Wilkes-Barre location of the (John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc.), 625 North Main Street, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. in the Parish of Saint Andre Bessette, 668 North Main Street. The Reverend Joseph M. Horanzy, former pastor of Saint Stanislaus Kostka and personal family friend will serve as celebrant and homilist. Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Stanislaus Kostka Roman Catholic Cemetery of Saint Andre Bessette Parish, Cemetery and Blanchard Streets, Plains Township where honors will be accorded by members of the Wilkes-Barre Fire Department.
Relatives and friends may join the Iskra family for visitation and remembrances Sunday afternoon from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. In lieu of floral tributes, Tom’s family would be honored if those contemplating a memorial contribution in his memory kindly give consideration to the Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Donations may be made to: Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105 Tel: 1-800-822-6344 Web: www.
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