Mr. John Joseph "Sonny" Minarik, 80, a lifelong and well-known resident of the North End section of the city, passed into Eternal Life early Thursday morning in the care of the Post Acute Medical Specialty Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, following a prolonged illness.

     Born March 14, 1937 in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son to the late John J. and Mary (Ungvarsky) Minarik.

     Educated in the city schools, Mr. Minarik was a graduate of the James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.

     Until his retirement, Mr. Minarik was employed by Offset-Paperback in the company's warehouse, Laflin for many years.  Prior to that, he was employed in the local shoe industry for the former Central Slipper Company of North Wilkes-Barre.

     An avid outdoorsman, he previously enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, and was previously a member of the Georgetown Settlement Camp.

     He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, the former Rosemary P. (Ott) Minarik on May 14, 2007.  At the time of her passing, the couple shared 45 years of married life together.

     Left to mourn his passing are his children, John C. Minarik and his companion, Elizabeth "Betty" Connell, at home; Jane Minarik-Cook and Michael R. Minarik, both of North Wilkes-Barre; Six grandchildren; Two great-grandchildren;  Numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.

     Memorial funeral services will be conducted Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. from the North Wilkes-Barre location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 625 North Main Street.

     Relatives and friends are invited to join his family for visitation and remembrances Monday evening from 5:00 p.m. until the time of services.

     John's family would be honored if those contemplating a memorial tribute in lieu of floral offerings, kindly consider a donation in their father's memory to the Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612.

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