John Kobal, age 91 of Houston, Texas peacefully slipped away on Friday, July 26th at home with his wife at his side. He was most proud of his marriage of 65 years to Marlene Kobal and the beautiful family they created. John was one of eleven children born to Helen and John Kobal of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania.
During his 8 years of Naval service, John spent time on the USS Midway, sailing everywhere from the Arctic Circle to Bikini Atoll. His time in the service not only gave him friendships to last a lifetime but stories that he shared with his children, grandchildren, and any stranger that would lend an ear.
Whether it was his golden curls or his classic 53’ Buick, John swooped Marlene off of her feet at Lake Silkworth in 1954. Soon after, the two ran away together and tied the knot. Settling in Levittown, Pennsylvania the Kobals created a loving home for their children. John worked at Pathmark for 25 years. Upon retirement, he and Marlene relocated to Houston, Texas where they found a group of neighbors that soon became their second family. John left behind a large family consisting of 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Their favorite memories of John include seeing him in the stands of every one of their sporting events or standing proudly behind the camera, capturing all of their major milestones.
The Kobal family cherishes the time they had with John and are ecstatic that he finally got to witness his beloved Philadelphia Eagles win their first Super Bowl. The memory of John Kobal will surely live on through his energetic stories and strong legacy of humor, pride, and family.
John is survived by his wife, Marlene; son Michael and wife Suzan; daughter Lynne Gaddis; daughter Leigh Crilley; son Chip and wife Kari; son Todd and wife Marissa. Also his grandchildren: Kristen Haines and partner David Palermo; Kimi Moore and husband Dave; Kara Fischer and husband Dayne; Michael Kobal and wife Niki; Nick Bartkus; Kaci Bartkus; Christian Kobal; Tanner Kobal; Kamryn Kobal; Isabella Kobal and Karson Kobal, as well as his step-grandchildren: Ryan Gaddis; Justin Gaddis and wife Madelyn; Caitlin Parker and husband Alex. And great grandchildren; Benson Moore and Cheyanne Fischer; and great step-grandchildren: Cooper Gaddis and Presley Gaddis.
He is preceded in death by his brothers & sisters, son in law Joseph Crilley, son in law Ron Gaddis and grandson Michael Crilley.
A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 10th located at Cypress-Fairbanks Funeral Home (9926 Jones Rd, Houston, TX 77065). All are welcome to come celebrate John Kobal’s 91 years of life.
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