Obituary of John Joseph Kupstas

On May 28, 2014, this world lost a gentle, generous and kind man. John Joseph Kupstas, 80, of the Hudson section of Plains passed unexpectedly surrounded by his family at the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital, Plains. Born in Edwardsville on May 15, 1934, he was the son of John A. and Nellie H. Straigis Kupstas. John's family moved to the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre at a young age to operate the Kupstas Market. John helped out with his parents business while attaining an education from local schools. John was a graduate of the Plains Memorial High School, Class of 1952. After graduation, John worked at Gort's Factory until in 1954 , he joined the United States Army. He served his country during the Korean Conflict. After returning home, he married the former Elizabeth Macosky in 1957. Together they moved to Metuchen New Jersey where John worked for the Ford Motor Company assembling vehicles. After a few years John and Elizabeth returned to Hudson to succeed the Kupstas Market in 1964. John became known as one of the greatest butchers around not to mention the "kielbasa making king of Hudson." John operated his store with his wife at his side for thirty-two more years, until 1996 when he retired. In his retirement John was a funeral assistant at the Yanaitis Funeral Home for many years. A funeral did not run smoothly if John was not here to get things ready. He was truly one of the best men to have standing beside you. John was a member of St. Joseph Church, Hudson, until the church's closure, a current member of Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Plains; a past member and board member of the Economy Store's Association; a member of the Joseph E. Conlon, Post 558, American Legion; the Hudson Servicemen Club, and the Shuffle Board League. Most of all, John loved spending time with his family. Whether it was going hunting or fishing with the grandkids or taking a trip to Niagara Falls, John loved to be surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. During this time he would mesmerize you with one of his stories of past adventures. These are the treasures that he has past on. John was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Nestorick. Surviving are his wife Elizabeth, at home; daughters Janet DiMaria and her husband Thomas, Swoyersville; and Susan Kalnoskas, Dalton; sister Dianna Kupstas, Wilkes-Barre; grandchildren Tom(T.J.) and Jennifer DiMaria, and Russell Kalnoskas; along with several nieces and nephews. Mr. Kupstas's funeral will be held this Saturday, May 31, 2014, at 9:00am from the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark Street, Plains. John's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am in Ss. Peter and Paul Church, 13 Hudson Road, Plains. Mass will be officiated by Rev. John Boyle. Interment will be held in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the American Legion, Post 558. Friends and family may call this evening from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the Kupstas family would like memorial donations to be made to: The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675. Donation forms will be available at the funeral home. Condolences to the family and directions to John's service can be found at www.yanaitisfuneralhome.com.