John W. Kobos left this world peacefully on June 29, 2017 after a valiant battle against cancer. John was a lifelong resident of Lawrence. He was born on December 11, 1924 and was the son of Bronislawa Kochanczyk and John Kobos. John was predeceased by his brothers Joe, Charlie, Ed, Mitchell, and Stanley and his sisters Irene Hillner and Eugenia B. Nowicki. He was post deceased by his twin brother Frank Kobos on July 2nd of this year. “Uncle John” leaves nieces and nephews Dorothy Argenziano, Fr. Martin Kobos, Jack Hillner, Dorean Hillner, Mark Hillner, Paula Kobos, Michael Nowicki and Joseph Nowicki. In addition he leaves three great-nieces, eight great-nephews, one great- great- nephew and two great- great- nieces. He was very proud of his Polish heritage and loved Polka music. John was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Parish. He was a 1938 graduate of Holy Trinity School and a 1942 graduate of Lawrence High School. He served in the United States Navy during World War II in convoy protection all over the world including trips to Murmansk and later in Okinawa. An engraver, John plied his gifted craftsmanship and artistry on a number of prestigious trophies as well as on items for individuals. Throughout his life John was active in and had a love for all sports whether playing for his grammar school team, for a local team named “The Warriors”, for Lawrence High School where he shined in both basketball and baseball, or for many years in pickup games and tournaments at the Lawrence YMCA. John’s excellence as a pitcher and in basketball earned him a place of honor in the Lawrence High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He could be found playing volleyball or racquetball well into his later years. John also enjoyed and excelled in his regular trips to Rockingham Park as well his yearly winter trip to Hialeah and Gulf Stream in Florida.  To be sure he loved the Red Sox, the Celtics, the Patriots, and the Bruins in that order. He told stories of some of his sports highlights such as playing against a member of the Celtics in a Lawrence exhibition, working out with a Lawrence native who was on a World Series Championship team or bringing home a huge perfecta that mattered. But he always placed more emphasis on what it was like and how it felt rather than on himself. Clearly he enjoyed life. The most important gift Uncle John had for his nieces and nephews was his example. He firmly held to a belief in faith, in his country, and to his family. Even in the most difficult times he would find a bright spot. He was quiet and very strong, yet truly a gentle man. His support was unwavering and his celebration for family success was quiet but very clear. He and his brother Frank will be greatly missed.

At the request of the family, funeral services were private. Memorial contributions may be made to Mother Cabrini Parish, c/o Fr. Martin Kobos  OFM Conv, 214 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin, PA 17872 . Arrangements were by The Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen. To send an online condolence, please go to www.dewhirstfuneral.com.

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