John T. Pickin, age 81, of Bloomsburg, died Saturday, May 23, 2015at his home surrounded by his family and under the care of Columbia Montour Hospice. John was a resident of his Main Twp. home for over 48 years. He had been in failing health for several months.
John was born on Sunday, January 7, 1934 in Danville, a son of the late Frank and Josephine (Lyons) Pickin. He attended St. Joseph School and Danville Area High School. John faithfully served his country in the US Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1958.
As a youth John was a Paper Boy for the Danville News. Following his military service he was employed by Kawneer of Bloomsburg. For 25 years he was employed by Danville State Hospital and retired in 1991.
John was a member of St. Columba Catholic Parish.
On June 13, 1964, John and Margret Shuman of Mainville were married in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Danville.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Margret, are two daughters: Patty Newhart and husband, Frank, of Benton and Deborah Thomas of Bloomsburg; five grandchildren: Kayla Newhart, Erin Newhart, Joe Sharkuski, Paige Thomas and Summer Thomas; son-in-law: Dale E. Thomas, Jr. of Orangeville and two brothers: Dick Pickin and Joseph Pickin both of Danville.
John was preceded in death by five siblings: William Pickin, Charles Pickin, Elizabeth Pickin, Catherine Patton and Mary Pickin. John greatly missed his friend Mozzie.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning, May 27, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the St. Columba Catholic Church, Third and Iron Sts., Bloomsburg with his pastor, Msgr. Robert E. Lawrence as celebrant. Burial will follow in Lime Ridge. A joint group of VFW and American Legion members will accord military honors at the graveside. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to be serving the Pickin family.