John F. Ratajczak, 92 of Laflin, died peacefully at the Highland Manor Nursing Home on Friday September 16, 2022.

He was born on July 1, 1930 in the Georgetown section of Wilkes-Barre, PA, son of the late John and Bridget (Podkul) Ratajczak. He went to Marymount High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and obtained his license in cosmetology at Empire Beauty School in Philadelphia, PA. He was drafted into the US Army March 13, 1952 where he served in the Korean War until December 12, 1953. He attained the Rank of Corporal and received several medals: Korean Service Medal w/3 Bronze Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal. After returning home he worked at an automobile lot. It was there he met his future wife of 58 years, Nancy C. Kibler. After their wedding in June of 1962, John and Nancy began to start a family. While living in Wilkes-Barre for a few years, John and Nancy built one of the first homes in the Oakwood Park section of Laflin, PA.

John and Nancy started their own Barber/Beauty Salon in Wilkes-Barre, PA and also opened a second Salon in Kingston, PA. Unfortunately, the Agnes Flood of 1972 destroyed the second business. After the flood they renamed their business Hair Associates which they would operate for more than 30 years together. Some of his favorite past times were tennis, walking, golf, cars, collecting coins, helping his wife decorate their home, and spending time with his friends and family. He was a devout member of Saint Maria Goretti Parish in Laflin, PA where he always had time to volunteer for the many Bazaars and events. He also was a member of his local VFW.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Nancy on May 3, 2022, his sisters, Helen Savage and Jackie Wardle.

He is survived by his son John D. Ratajczak and his wife Mary Ann, daughter Renee M. Musto and her husband Ronald, sisters Florence Mihalchick, and Marie Best and her husband Thomas, grandsons John A. Ratajczak, Evan and Kyle Musto, and his great-grandson Carson John Ratajczak, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all that have prayed and helped John in his time of need. The family would also like to thank Dr. Gibbons, the staff at Highland Manor and all other medical professionals and friends that helped the family in the care of their father.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, September 26, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Maria Goretti Church, 42 Redwood Drive, Laflin, PA 18702, with Father Alex Roche, Pastor, officiating. The Parish Rosary Group will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary in the Church 30 minutes before the Mass. All are invited to attend. Interment with Military Honors accorded by the United States Army and the Plains American Legion, Post 558, will be held in St. Mary’s Maternity Cemetery, West Wyoming. Family and friends may call Sunday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705.

Memorial donations may be made to Medical Oncology Prescription Assistance Fund, 382 Pierce Street, Kingston, PA 18704, or to the charity of one’s choice.