Reverend John J. King

Reverend John J. Kingof Starrucca, PAReverend John J. King, of Starrucca, passed away Monday, April 6, 2015. He was 92 years old. He is the son of Katherine (Gilleran) and Daniel King, also of Starrucca. Born on Nov. 26, 1922 in Starrucca, Penn., Rev. King attended St. Bonaventure University after completing high school. He received his undergraduate degree from St. Bonaventure University and continued to study Theology at the seminary of Christ the King. Rev. King was ordained for the Diocese of Peoria, Ill., on May 6, 1948 on the Feast of the Ascension. Rev. King would become pastor of the Epiphany Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Peoria, Ill. on June 6, 1966. He was the first pastor of this parish and would remain there for 29 years until his retirement in 1995. A devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs, Rev. King enjoyed attending many games Wrigley Field. In 1992, he received the Normal, Ill. Citizen of the Year Award for his outstanding service to the community and for being "a major spiritual force" for his many parishioners. He is survived by a sister, Genevieve (King) Leet; nephew Brian Leet and wife Rita; nephew John D. Leet and wife Jacqueline; great-nephew Matthew Leet and great-nieces Melissa and Katherine. He was preceded in death by great-nephew John Patrick Leet and brother-in-law Sanford R. Leet. A viewing will be held at the Hennessey Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Ave., Susquehanna, Penn. from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 9. A funeral mass will held Friday, April 10 at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist, 15 East Church St., Susquehanna, Penn. Burial will take place at a later date. A luncheon will follow the mass at St. John the Evangelist, 15 East Church St., Susquehanna, Penn. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Rev. King to the Little Sisters of the Poor, Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Hennessey Funeral Home.