John Lillie

Robert John Lillie, 84, of Clinton Township passed away peacefully on Monday morning, August 26, 2024 surrounded by the love of his family at home. His beloved wife of 35 years, the former Rita J. Carley preceded him in death on May 5, 1994; they were married in 1959.

Born on October 21, 1939 in Carbondale, he was the son of the late Ward and Marian (Pomeroy) Lillie.

Born and raised on the family farm, John lived his entire life in Clinton Township, which is a place that he cherished and loved beyond measure. John had a profound sense of community, and cared deeply about his family, friends, and neighbors. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, give some words of encouragement or advice, and keep up with the needs and happenings of those nearby.

John was a graduate of Waymart High School and a lifelong farmer. He owned and operated the family dairy farm for many years until he transitioned to raising beef cattle. Farming was in his blood; from cattle to red tractors to haying and side-by-side rides, John was happiest when he was on the move, but most importantly, that he was able to do these things with those he loved. Family meant everything to John.

John was an avid golfer and was a member of the Waymart Golf League at Memorial Links. He looked forward to every opportunity to be together with friends and family at The Rat's Nest and even enjoyed some hunting there too. Local government was impacted greatly through the years by John and his efforts to bring good to our local communities. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, The Waymart Lion's Club, and served on the Western Wayne School Board as President for several years. John faithfully attended the Clinton Township meetings often voicing his thoughts on the issues at hand. He was a school van driver for the Western Wayne School District, and also served as the Wayne County Weights and Measures official for many years. On July 4th of this year, John was honored to be the Grand Marshall of the Pleasant Mount Parade.

John is survived by his children: Peggy Zielinski and her companion Dean Giles, Marianne Thorpe and her husband Jim, Kate Magalski and her husband Mark, with whom he resided, Kenny Shino and his wife Laurie, and Rob Shino and his wife Julie; grandchildren: Nick Lillie and his wife Tiffany, Meghan Nebzydoski and her husband John, Matt Magalski, Carley Zielinski and her companion Jeremy Yzeik, Audrey Zielinski and her companion Canyon Stone, and Julianne Figura and her husband Tommy; great-grandchildren: Bobby and Emily Lillie; Leo and Paulie Nebzydoski, and Grayson Figura; a sister-in-law, Peg Werner and her husband Bill; brother-in-law, Rev. Leo Carley; John had several special cousins, but he always considered Mary Gustin as his sister.

John was also preceded in death by his son, Bobby Lillie in 1997; daughter-in law, Sharon Faatz Lillie; two sons in infancy, Jonathan Ward and John Paul; and his loving companion of many years, Diane Stiles.

Thank you to the staff and nurses from Hospice of The Sacred Heart for their exceptional support and care, and to his daughters for dedicating themselves to his care throughout the years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Waymart Hotel, 205 Carbondale Road, Waymart, PA 18472 on Saturday, August 31, 2024 from 1-4 PM. The family will share a brief eulogy at 1:30 PM. John's wishes were for everyone to be together for a party. Therefore in keeping with his request, there will be no formal receiving line, but rather an open opportunity to come together to reflect and share the many memories of his life.

Burial will be private in the Clinton Center Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472. www.HowellFamilyFuneralHome.com