Obituary of John Paul Yuknavich

John Paul (JP) Yuknavich, 60, of Wilkes-Barre Township, passed away on Wednesday, November 29th at home surrounded by his loving family and many dear friends, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, a son of the late Frank and Mary Giampa Yuknavich. JP was a graduate of Coughlin High School, class of 1982. He was the owner/operator of Yuknavich Trucking and he was previously employed by the Wilkes-Barre Township DPW/Fire Department. JP is survived by his companion of 20 years, Dorothy Maloney and by his children, Stacey Yuknavich and her companion Shawn Ebert of Swoyersville, Lacey Yuknavich and John Paul Yuknavich, Jr. at home and grandson, Dalano Yuknavich of Swoyersville. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Joy Allen and her husband, William (Butch), by his brother, Francis Jerome (Jerry) Yuknavich, brother-in-law, Ron (Michelle) Maloney, sisters-in-law, Sally (EJ) Murphy and Molly (Jesse) Gosart; and by nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. JP was a former member/fire chief the Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department for many years, he was a founding member and president of the Wilkes-Barre Township Rod and Gun Club, member of the Sons of the American Legion, Post 815, Wilkes-Barre Township. JP also enjoyed spending time with his children, family and so many of his great friends that were like his family. He also enjoyed spending time and taking rides with his beloved dog, Dexter. A celebration of John Paul’s life will begin with a visitation for family and friends on Sunday from 3-6 pm at the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 am in Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the Church on Monday. Private interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Bear Creek at the convenience of the family. Condolences may be sent by visiting John Paul’s obituary at www.natandgawlas.com