John McCormick

John McCormick, 89, of Scranton died peacefully at home on October 2, 2020, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, the former Anne Carroll.  

Born in Carbondale, PA, John was the son of the late Stanley and Beatrice Walker McCormick. He was a graduate of St. Rose High School, 1949, in Carbondale and of Penn State University, 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.

John was a Korean War veteran and served with the Seventh Army, V Corps in Germany.  He was employed at the Carbondale Daily News, Endicott Bulletin, and Binghamton Press, and later, advanced in his newspaper career as the sports editor for the Bloomsburg Morning Press, Catholic Light, and the Scranton Times/Sunday Times.  Leading up to his retirement he worked for the Lane Broadcasting Company as an account executive and sportscaster.

During his newspaper career in Scranton John received the Commissioner of Baseball Award for his contribution to college baseball, the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Red Barons Media Award, Catholic League Coaches’ Association Service Award, 1973 University of Scranton Journalism Award, 1973 Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League’s Media Award, the 1982 ACBL’s ServiceAward, the University of Scranton Media Award, and the PIAA Service Award for his contributions to high school sports.  In 1992 John was inducted into the University of Scranton Athletics Wall of Fame; in 1994 he received the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame Meritorious Award; and in 2012 he received the Northeast Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame Service Award.  He was a co-founder of the Scranton Red Soxx college summer team and served as its president.

John was a committee member of the University of Scranton Wall of Fame, the Northeastern Chapter’s State Sports Hall of Fame and served for many years as president to the local chapter, and Northeast Regional Vice President of the State Sports Hall of Fame. He served as president of the Babe Ruth Senior League, secretary and treasurer of the Catholic Coaches Association, and was a member of the St. Rose/Sacred Heart Alumni Association and a recipient of its annual Service Award.  

In addition, John also served as president of the Cathedral Parish Holy Name Society, vice-president of the Prescott School PTA, served 23 years on the Advisory Board of Worthington Scranton Penn State Campus and served as president of the Scranton Newspaper Guild in 1970.In the late 1980’s, both John and his wife, Anne were instrumental in the transition of the former Chapel Church to the current Immaculate Conception Church. In 2012 John was given the great distinction of being chosen as Grand Marshall of the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Scranton.

In addition to his wife, Anne, John is survived by daughters Cathleen Lewis (Fred), of Chelmsford, MA, Carol, of Scranton, PA, Anne Redlinger (Kurt) of San Diego, CA, and a son,Michael McCormick of Clarks Summit, PA. He was the loving brother of Mary Kenrick of Buffalo, NY, Betsy Shields of Binghamton, NY, and the late Joseph McCormick.  John is most remembered by his love for his family.  He was especially proud of and loved his 8 grandchildren Therese, Susan, Laura, Tara, Thomas, Mary, Christopher and Kristi; and his 6 great-grandchildren Carter, Lorenzo, Maria, Addi, Laney and Oliver.  In addition, he has 9 nephews and 6 nieces who were special to him.

All CDC guidelines, including the mandatory use of facial coverings and proper social distancing, will be strictly enforced. Please be prepared to pay respects in a timely manner while refraining from physical contact.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11am in the Immaculate Conception Church 801 Taylor Ave. Scranton.

Friends may call Saturday morning from 10am until the time of Mass at the church.

Interment, St. Rose Cemetery, Carbondale.

Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton.

To share a memory or to express your condolences please visit www.vanstonandjames.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary’s Villa Nursing, Elmhurst, PA where he received loving care and compassion while he resided there for 17 months.

10 Comments

  1. Jerry Valonis

    To the McCormick Family:
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
    Ann & Jerry Valonis & Family

  2. Susan McDermott

    Michael and Family,

    My condolences on the loss of a great man in your life. He touched the lives of so many people during his career and will surely be missed. Lots of good memories to carry in your hearts.

  3. Frank Crane

    A great gentleman, journalist and family man. Many fond memories of John and his dedication to local sports, especially at the U of S. Rest In Peace John. A life well lived.

  4. Bob Steinberg

    To Anne and the entire McCormick family. The Steinberg family is very saddened by the passing of your beloved Patriarch, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. John was a God send to us for being a life long friend and drinking companion for our father (Aaron) and a gigantic supporter of our families athletic careers as exemplified by the many articles of support and praise, not only about us personally, but also about our successful teams and outstanding teammates, that he tirelessly put to print in the local papers. Most of which I still have over 50 years later. We are eternally grateful. Rest assured, I know our father and Mike Revta amongst many others, will be waiting in Heaven for John’s arrival with open arms. RIP our dear friend and supporter. On behalf of the humbled Steinberg family……Bob

  5. Dearest Cathy and family – My sincerest sympathy to you, your family and all those, who will miss your Father. Surely, he was welcomed into Heaven, as the newest member of the Communion of Saints, where he will live in the perfect through all eternity. May family, friends and warm memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. In caring sympathy,

  6. fr. jeff walsh

    Prayers are with the John’s wife and family. Sorry I cannot pay my respects in person. I would have participated in the committal prayers at St. Rose Cemetery, but I have a wedding at 1:00pm. I know John was very proud of his Carbondale/St. Rose roots. I will be sure to visit his grave often as I walk with my dog through the cemetery regularly. God bless!

  7. Jim Riley, Sr.

    To the Family of John McCormick,

    My sincerest condolences to Anne and children on their grievous loss. John was the epitome of the word ” gentleman “, always ready with a hearty greeting to his many downtown Scranton friends and even to casual passers-by. To say he will be sorely missed is a gigantic understatement. Nor will the Hill Section ever see his like again.

  8. PATRICK MCCABE

    Anne and Family! Ginger and I were very sorry to read of John’s passing. I was an
    admirer of his work as an excellent journalist. It was my pleasure to work with his
    wonderful family in what were very fine years at Central High School. Pat

  9. Jack Kelly

    To the family of John McCormick

    My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family on the recent passing of John.. My memories of attending the annual Lynett tournament dinners and the Hall of Fame dinners reminds me of the good times we had together. He was a good man and the ultimate professional.

  10. alan p schoen

    On behalf of the Schoen brothers(Terry, Alan & Rick) of Irving Ave. a gigantic thanks to John McCormick for a life well-lived. Thank you for all you did for us and all local athletes in the 60s, 70s and beyond. Local sports could not have had a more enthusiastic and devoted advocate. You promoted the best this area had to offer. The world has lost an outstanding sports writer/editor and a GREAT human being. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the McCormick Family on the passing of your Husband and Dad. Go with God John McCormick

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