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John Twardzik Obituary June 23, 2012 John Frances Twardzik went peacefully to be with the Lord the afternoon of Saturday, June 23, 2012, at his home in Mountain Top. He was able to enjoy the comfort of his own home for so long because of the loving, dedicated care he received from his daughter, Nancy Gallagher, his son-in-law, Joe Gallagher, and their children, Katie and Brady. John was a kind and generous man known affectionately at "Mr. T." John was born on October 30, 1917, to Frank M. and Mary Bennick Twardzik in Shenandoah. John married Helen Marie Zanecosky, also of Shenandoah, in February 1949, shortly after which he moved to Mountain Top to begin raising a family. Helen passed away July 1981. John is survived by his brothers Walter F. Twardzik (Bloomsburg, PA), and Theodore F. (Ted) Twardzik and Ted’s wife, Jean, of Sarasota, FL and children John a.k.a. “Twig” (spouse Missy) of Tampa, FL; Rick (spouse Linda Suarez) of Kerrville, Texas; Nancy Gallagher (spouse Joe Gallagher) of Mountain Top; and Tom (spouse Claudia) of Memphis, TN. He is the loving Dziadzi of Julie Twardzik of Greenville, SC; Katie Gallagher of Mountain Top; Richard Twardzik of Memphis; and Brady Gallagher of Mountain Top. John was preceded in death by his siblings Francis Twardzik Gish (Long Beach, CA), Louis F. Twardzik (East Lansing, MI) and Eleanor Twardzik Zale (Shenandoah). John was a 1933 graduate of J. W. Cooper High School in Shenandoah, and completed his studies at McCann's Business College in 1935. John was a saxophonist and multi-talented musician, performing throughout the area with his band known as Tweed, the Eddie Karpee Orchestra, and the Polish Warsaw Band at such Schuylkill County venues as the Lakewood Ballroom and the Maher's Hall. His pre-war career began with the Government Building and Loan Association. Military service during the Second World War utilized his business skills where he served in the U.S. Army as a warrant officer. Later, he overcame his fear of heights by entering the U.S. Army Air Corps and was stationed in New Guinea flying a C-47 transport plane to destinations from Sidney to Tokyo. He was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. Upon his return stateside, John worked for Preferred Finance Service Inc., where he was advertised as "O.K. Twardzik" for his accommodating nature when approving loans. John returned to serving his country by working with the Veterans Administration assisting returning soldiers in attaining the dream of home ownership. Following a subsequent position with the Army Corps of Engineers in East Stroudsburg, John retired from the Federal Government in 1977 after over 30 years of loyal service. Through the years, John faithfully attended and was active in St. Jude's Parish and St. Catherine's Catholic Church, both located in Mountain Top. He was a past president of American Legion D'Amato Post 792 in Shenandoah, and a member of the Brotherly Paternal Order of Elks Lodge 945, the AMVETS, and the Knights of Columbus. John was particularly proud of his youngest brother, Ted Twardzik of Shenandoah, the founder of Ateeco Inc., the manufacturer of Mrs. T's Pierogies. John served on the Board of Directors as well as represented Mrs. T's at food shows throughout the U.S. with his daughter Nancy. He also appeared in numerous local parades driving the Mrs. T's Model A with the car's rumble seat occupied by a beautiful young lady, a dignitary or even Santa. The family would like to express their special gratitude to the kind caregivers who helped make John's recent days healthful, comfortable and pleasant: Florence, Grace, Judy, Pat, Sandy and Susan. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects the evening of Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the McCune Funeral Home, 80 S. Mountain Blvd. in Mountain Top. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Jude's Church, 420 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Drums. McCune Funeral Service Inc. is handling the arrangements.