Martin Andrew "Marty" Degnan

     It is with heaviness of hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Martin Andrew "Marty" Degnan, 56; a well-known and respected resident of Wilkes-Barre's North End neighborhood.

     Marty passed the afternoon of Wednesday, October 2, 2024 while in the care of the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township following a valiant battle with cancer.

     Born on Thursday, April 18, 1968 in Wilkes-Barre, he was one of eight children to Mrs. Marie M. (Heylek) Degnan, North Wilkes-Barre and the late Edward James Degnan II.

     Educated locally in the Catholic faith, Marty was a 1986 graduate of the former Bishop Hoban High School, Wilkes-Barre where he previously served as an assistant baseball coach.  He later furthered his education by attaining a bachelor's degree in English from King's College.

     Marty loved people and worked for many years in hospitality.  He previously served as bar tender for the North End Slovak Citizens' Club; the former Bobby's Place in North End; Senunas' Bar on North Main Street and worked at the Young Men's Christian Association, downtown.  Most recently he was employed as a cook at Chacko's Family Bowling Center in Wilkes-Barre.  Each of these positions garnered him many friends over the years.

     Proud of his Slovak heritage, Marty held a national office as the Supreme Assistant Physical Director of the Slovak Catholic Sokols.  Locally, he held membership in the Group 7 Father Joseph Murgas Sokols where he served as current vice president and previously served as the physical director for the group.  Socially, he also held membership in the North End Slovak Citizens Club, North Wilkes-Barre and the Polish American Veterans Club of Plains Township.

     Marty loved sports and was an avid bowler; played on several co-ed softball teams and several area dart leagues.  He loved following the Philadelphia Phillies, the New York Giants and Notre Dame football.

     Marty was preceded in death by his father, Mr. Edward James Degnan II on January 9, 1987; by his brother, Mr. Edward James "Eddy" Degnan III on October 23, 2013 and most recently by a brother-in-law, Mr. Michael L. Popovich on April 22, 2023.

     Marty will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him in this life.  Left to cherish all the wonderful memories they now keep of him in addition to his mother, Marie, with whom he resided, are sisters; Patricia Popovich, North Wilkes-Barre; Kathleen Plaviak and her husband David of Mountain Top; Suzanne Horn and her husband Thomas of New Smyrna, Florida; Marie Janosov and her husband Robert, Wilkes-Barre; Alison Malenovitch and her husband Matthew of Parsons and Amy M. Blasco along with her husband Gary of Plains Township;  Sixteen nieces and nephews;  19 great-nieces and great-nephews;  Maternal aunt Margaret Susa of Bethlehem; Maternal uncle John Heylek of Wilkes-Barre Township; Numerous cousins, fellow Sokols and many dear friends.

     Funeral services for Marty will be conducted on Monday, October 7 with his funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish at Saint Aloysius Church, 143 West Division Street, Wilkes-Barre.  The Reverend Richard J. Cirba, V.F., pastor will serve as celebrant and homilist.  Interment with the Rite of Committal will be held privately and at the convenience of the Degnan Family.  Family and friends wishing to attend the funeral Mass are invited to meet directly at church Monday morning by 9:45 a.m.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to join Mrs. Degnan and her family for visitation and shared remembrances Sunday afternoon from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre.

     In lieu of floral tributes, the family would be humbled if those wishing to make a monetary donation in Marty’s memory, kindly give consideration to Slovak Catholic Sokol Memorial Scholarship, www.SlovakCatholicSokol.org/members/mermorialfrmframe.htm.

     Those wishing to share online words of comfort or a fond remembrance with the family are encouraged to do so here on Marty's memorial page.  Thank You.

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