The Rev. John J. Kulavich, former chaplain at Mercy Center, Dallas, died Dec. 19, 2020, at the Suburban Community Hospital, Norristown. The Rev. Kulavich, son of the late John J. and Catherine (Colacino) Kulavich, was born in Carbondale on Jan. 28, 1952. Father received his early education in the Waymart public school system. He continued his education at the University of Scranton and attended Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he completed his studies for the priesthood earning a Master of Theology degree. He was ordained to the priesthood on Nov. 5, 1983, at St. Peter's Cathedral, Scranton, by Bishop Cardinal John Joseph O'Connor, late Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton. Father Kulavich served as assistant pastor at St. Gabriel Church, Hazleton, 1983-1984; St. Jude Church, Mountaintop, 1984-1986; Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Scranton, 1986-1989; Holy Trinity, Nanticoke, 1989-1990; and St. Mary Church, Old Forge, 1990-1992. Father Kulavich received his first pastorate at St. John Nepomuceno Church, Freeland, in 1992. In 1993, he was appointed pastor at St. David Church, Scranton. Father's next appointment was pastor at St. Lawrence, Great Bend, in 1995, where he served until 2001 when he was appointed pastor at St. Ann's, Bentley Creek. In 2002, Father was appointed pastor at Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mayfield, and served as pastor until 2009 when he was appointed senior priest at St. Paul of the Cross, Scranton. In 2010, Father was appointed chaplain at Mercy Center, Dallas where he remained until his death. In addition to his pastoral duties, Father Kulavich served as Dean of the Susquehanna Deanery from 2001-2003 and as chaplain and a Fourth Degree Knight for Knights of Columbus Council 7622, Jermyn-Mayfield, Mountaintop, and for the Padre Pio Knights of Columbus Assembly. Father Kulavich is survived by two sisters, Margaret McGinnis and husband, Scott, of Mercer, Pennsylvania; and Catherine Dunay and husband, Martin, of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania; one brother, James Kulavich, of Waymart, Pennsylvania; two nephews, Joshua McGinnis and Richard Beccaloni; and three nieces, Marisa McGinnis, JulieAnne and Rhianna Dunay; and one great-nephew, Blake McGinnis. The family would like to thank Dr. Darlene Dunay, Dr. Ferdinand Manahan and the staff at the Regional Hospital of Scranton for their compassion and care to Father Kulavich. A public Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, at 11 a.m. from St. Rose of Lima Church, 6 N. Church St., Carbondale. Private interment followed at Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery, Mayfield, Pa. Family and friends were invited for a public visitation at the church from 10:00 to 11 a.m. Pallbearers: Richard Beccaloni, Martin Dunay and John Beardsley. In lieu of flowers, donations were made in Father Kulavich's name to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements were under the care of the Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Carbondale, Pa. Visitation 10:00 am - 11:00 am Tuesday, December 22, 2020 St. Rose Of Lima Church 6 North Church Street Carbondale, Pennsylvania, United States 18407 Mass 11:00 am Tuesday, December 22, 2020 St. Rose Of Lima Church 6 North Church Street Carbondale, Pennsylvania, United States 18407 Interment Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery 100 Cemetery Street Jermyn, Pennsylvania, United States 18433