John “Jack” Kernich, 81, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026, after a short illness at Dunmore Health Care. He was the husband of Eleanor (Yatzun) Kernich for the past 62 years.

Born in Scranton, PA, he was the son of the late Ann and John Kernich. He served honorably for six years with the Army National Guard as a mechanic and sharpshooter.

His careers consisted of serving as service manager at Glenwood Ford and Gateway Ford. Right up until his illness, he worked for Joe’s Body Shop, where they became family to him.

A total motor guy, Jack had a love for cars. He was a race car enthusiast with a passion for quarter-mile drag racing and at one time built his own car just to get it to run down the track one time. He was also a NASCAR lover, served as crew chief for his oldest grandson, Patrick, during his kart racing years, and played construction foreman for his second grandson, Matthew, as “Bob the Builder.”

“Pop” embraced his grandchildren from the day they were born and ran with them through their crazy toddler years. Not a weekend went by without him packing all three up for a weekend stay at Nan and Pop’s to play in the basement with the dirt car track he made for them, read books and color. It was always Pop, Matt, Patrick and Alexis time. His weekends were not complete without Dollar Tree and Krispy Kreme runs. He always made sure there were plenty of snacks to make them smile. He even gave his granddaughter, Alexis, occasional haircuts because he felt her bangs were in her eyes. He did not know how to cut hair, but he performed his own version.

Jack had many friends, and everyone who knew him loved him. The family would also like to mention a special friend to Jack and Eleanor, their neighbor for most of their lives, Danny, who has been there for their family, especially over the last few months.

He is survived by his daughters, Donna Capone and her husband, Ricky, and Annette West and her fiancé, R.J. Stiltenpole; grandchildren, Patrick and his partner, Ryleigh, Matthew and his partner, Lindsay, and Alexis and her husband, Tommy; brothers, Joseph and Ronald; sister, AnnMarie; as well as brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Emery.

The family would like to thank Sacred Heart Hospice and Dunmore Health Care for their compassion and care.

Private funeral arrangements will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the care of the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC, West Scranton.