John N. "Kutch" Kutchmanich, 74, of Carbondale, PA, died Friday, August 4, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. His wife of 51 years is the former Sally Spall. They were married April 8, 1972.

Born Oct. 2, 1948 in Peckville, PA, he was the son of the late John and Helen Kudey Kutchmanich. Kutch was a graduate of Jessup High School and was a United States Navy veteran stationed in Scotland where he was a Boatsman Mate and served personal security detail during the Vietnam War.

He was employed as a shipping clerk for Tredgar Film Products, Carbondale, and later became a corrections officer for SCI Waymart prior to his retirement in 2013. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale, Rock Lake Hunting Club, past member of the Caruso Club, Carbondale, and played bagpipes with the Shamrock and Thistle Band that marched many St. Patrick's Day parades in Scranton. He was an accomplished accordion and harmonica player. He and Sally took Kaley Dancing lessons and danced at the Scranton Irish Cultural Club.

Kutch was passionate to commit himself in helping the community by donating blood and was an advocate for those in recovery. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, animal and motorcycle enthusiast, and was well known in the community for his famous turtle soup. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is also survived by four sons, John Kutchmanich and wife Season of Carbondale, PA, Craig Kutchmanich and wife Ellen of Greenfield Township, PA, Andrew Kutchmanich of Carbondale, PA, and Edward Kutchmanich and wife Ashley of Smithfield, R.I.; seven grandchildren, Stephen, Kassandra, Matthew, Jacob, Anthony, Patrick and Noah; one great-granddaughter, Serenity; one sister, Annette Cardoni of Scranton, PA; one brother, Ronald Kutchmanich of Throop, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 10 a.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church, 6 N. Church St., Carbondale, PA, celebrated by Rev. Joseph Mosley, senior priest. Interment with military honors was held at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Twp, PA.

Pallbearers: Stephen Holley, Matthew, Jacob, Anthony, Patrick and Noah Kutchmanich.

A viewing was held Tuesday, August 8, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 89 Farview St., Carbondale, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations were made in John's name to St. Rose of Lima Church, 6 N. Church St., Carbondale, Pa. 18407 or Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Township, Pa. 18411.