John W. Regan

John W. Regan, 85, Clarks Summit, formerly of West Scranton, died Wednesday morning at Geisinger CMC. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Dorothy Locker Regan, who died Dec. 15, 2011.

Born in Scranton, son of the late Joseph T. Regan and Frances O'Connor Regan, he was a 1952 graduate of West Scranton High School. John was a man who lived by focusing on the three most important facets guiding his life: faith, family and friends. As a young boy, he got his first job at age 8 delivering newspapers. He endured the death of his father at age 12 and unselfishly did all he could to help his family. He formed a special bond with his only brother, Joseph. Although they were miles apart, their hearts were always together. In the early 1950s, he volunteered and mentored the youth at the West Scranton Boys Club. He always treasured his memories of coaching his team, The All-Americans. Early on, baseball was a love of his to play and coach at West Scranton Little League. As they say, once a West-Sider, always a West-Sider! He had a passion for reading. Loved music, history, politics and was so very proud to be an American.

In 1962, he married the love of his life and began a journey that would become his legacy. Together, they made a loving and welcoming home for their eight children and 14 grandchildren. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, John gave everything to his family. He was a member of St. Patrick's Parish in West Scranton for 51 years and he strongly believed in Catholic education for his children. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports and make life accomplishments, always their biggest fan and always proud of them. He had a great deal of wisdom which his children and grandchildren valued so dearly.

John was devoted to his family but always had time for friends. A 36-year employee of the United States Postal Service, he developed many lifelong friendships with his postal colleagues. He was known for his stories that so many family and friends looked forward to and enjoyed. He was one of the few to be a St. Louis Cardinal fan in our area. All who knew him knew his love for the Irish. He was an avid Notre Dame fan who often traveled to South Bend, Ind. He treasured his time in South Bend with his family and friends, going to Mass at the Basilica, saying prayers at the Grotto, and cheering the Irish to victory. For a man who never drove a day in his life, he surely traveled far.

Surviving are a son, John Regan and wife, Linda, Uniondale; six daughters, Phylis Regan, Clarks Summit; Frances Regan, Clarks Summit; Dorothy Osborne and husband, Atty. Christopher Osborne, Scranton; Mia Regan-Duffy and husband, Donald, Clarks Summit; Barbara McDonald and husband, Joseph, Clarks Summit; Dr. Janet Coleman and husband, William, Clarks Summit; a brother, Joseph T. Regan and wife, Elizabeth, Columbus, Ohio; a son-in-law, Atty. Joseph Geiger, Malvern; 14 grandchildren, Atty. Christopher Osborne Jr., Corey, Kelsey (California), and Connor Osborne; Jenna Regan-Lyles (Texas) and husband, Jake; Alyssa Regan (Florida) and fianc, Michael Alexander, Dr. Joseph F. Geiger III (Florida), Jacob and Caroline Geiger; Erin Duffy; Abigail and Emily McDonald; Maggie and Emma Coleman; one brother-in-law, John Locker and wife Fran, Dalton; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Kelly Geiger; three sisters, Frances Regan, Ann Regan and Mary Mihalik; and several sisters and brothers-in-law.

Due to the current pandemic, a private funeral Mass and interment will be conducted at the convenience of the family. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery. A celebration of John's life will be held in the near future, when health conditions prove safe.

The private family funeral Mass will be streamed on Monday at 10 a.m. on YouTube at Hallock.Live.

Arrangements entrusted to the Frank M. Regan Funeral Home, 715 Linden St., Scranton.

In lieu of flowers, John requested that you take your best girl out to dinner.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Colleen Shea Children's Foundation, 1086 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, or to St. Patrick's Church Food Pantry, 1403 Jackson St., Scranton, PA 18504.