John "Hopper” Holobetz , 65, of Pottsville, passed away Monday, May 15, 2017 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, after a courageous four year battle with cancer.
Born in Pottsville, May 30, 1951, he was the son of the late Michael and Susan (Mulikova) Holobetz.
He was a 1969 graduate of St. Clair High School, and received his degree in education from Kutztown University in 1973.
John was an educator in the St. Clair Area School District for 35 years where he also coached basketball for both boys and girls, and football. Following retirement he was employed by Schuylkill Women in Crisis. He was a dedicated member of St. Michael Orthodox Church, and played an active role in St. Michael Citizen’s Club, St. Clair.
John was a devoted husband, loving father, and wonderful Didi (grandfather). He enjoyed working in his garden, helping anyone in need, and talking to his friends. Most of all, John enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Holobetz.
He is survived by his wife, Mary (Mahoney) Holobetz to whom he was married 35 years; two daughters, Katie Porrino, wife of Cory, Orwigsburg, and Meghan Holobetz, Philadelphia; three grandchildren, Ava, Max, and Cory Jonathan Porrino; sister, Julianne Kupchinsky, wife of Joseph, Kaska; nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to call from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Friday and 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM Saturday at Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 N. 2nd Street St. Clair, PA. Panachida will be at 9:45 AM, Saturday at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, at St. Michael Orthodox Church, 109 North Nichols Street, St. Clair, PA 17970. The Very Rev. Jeff Zias will be officiating. Interment will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, St. Clair. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care for Oncology, 3500 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, in his memory.
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent to http://www.brucethartfuneralhome.com
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To the Holobetz Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences to you all during this difficult time. May your love and memories of him provide you some comfort.
John Magliocco
To the Holobetz Family,
We are sorry to hear of coach Holobetz's passing. He was one of my favorite coaches and a good friend through the years of celebrating Russian Christmas. We know that he fought various health problems over the past few years. Please know that coach and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
May the many beautiful memories of coach help strengthen all of you in the days ahead.
Sincerely yours,
Joe Buletza and family