Obituary of John R Sopp

John Sopp, 74, of Kingston, passed away on November 14 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.. Born in Kingston on April 15, 1951, John was the son of the late John J. and Anne Sopp. A proud lifelong resident of his hometown, he graduated from Wyoming Valley West High School, Class of 1969, and went on to earn his degree in Economics from Wilkes University. John built an accomplished and dedicated career. Prior to his retirement, he served as a pension fund manager for the Don Williamson Agency. He also spent more than 30 years working for General Foods, Maxwell House, and the Kraft Division as a Regional Sales Manager, where he was respected for his leadership, work ethic, and genuine care for the people he worked with. Deeply committed to his community, John served on the Executive Board of the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority and was a former member and past president of Kingston Council. He was also a member of the Shade Tree Commission and the Kingston Historical Society. His service reflected his belief in giving back to the place that shaped him. John is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Carol (Everett); and by his daughters, Johnyne (Rick) Hoyes, Keera (Bill) Tabor, Jill (Jonathan) Seitzinger, and Karin (Brandon) Ulitchney, all of whom were the pride of his life. He was the cherished “Grampy” to Ricky and Rylie Hoyes; Keerstyn and Brynlee Tabor; Nathan Sopp; and Luna and Apollo Ulitchney, who brought joy, laughter, and fulfillment to his every day. He is also survived by his brother, Mark Sopp, Kingston; sisters in law, Kathy (Tim) Mozdian, Mountaintop and Carol Everett, Harvey’s Lake, nieces, nephews, as well as numerous cousins. A lover of music, John found joy in attending concerts with family and friends and spent his younger years playing in several local bands. He treasured his annual beach trips, where some of his happiest memories were made with his family. At home, he embraced his role as the family’s head chef—especially during the cherished tradition of making ravioli, meatballs, and sauce for the holidays, a legacy of love and togetherness that will live on. John’s presence, kindness, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed but forever remembered. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:30 am in St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parish, 226 S. Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. Interment will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Shavertown. Those attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the Church on Thursday. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 4-7 pm at the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parish, 226 S. Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. Condolences may be sent by visiting John’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com