John Martin Obelenus

John Martin Obelenus, 73, of Forest City, passed away peacefully Thursday at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Scranton. He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Devota Peretti.

Born in Forest City, son of the late John S. and Rose O'Mahen Obelenus, he was a graduate of Forest City Regional High School, class of 1959. He was a Navy veteran, having served three tours in Vietnam aboard the USS Kitty Hawk over eight years. Before retirement, he was employed by BAE Systems Inc. in Maryland.

Surviving are two daughters, Kerri Freis, Virginia; and Jan Chido and husband, Mark, Maryland; a granddaughter, Devota; two sisters, Edith Barman, California; and Margaret Nichols, Clifford; three brothers, Tod Green and wife, Carol, Pleasant Mount; Earl Obelenus and wife, Mary Ann, Forest City; and Russell Freis and wife, Jan, Virginia; a stepfather, Jack Fries, Vandling; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Barbara Obelenus Fries.

The family wishes to thank all the staff at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center and the Hospice of the Sacred Heart for the care and support given to John and our family.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, Md., where John will be buried beside his wife, Devota. Arrangements are by the Jones & Brennan Funeral Home, 430 Main St., Forest City.

In lieu of cards or flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, 401 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

For directions or to send online condolences, please visit the funeral home's website.