Peter Karnick

Peter Karnick, 93, of South Canaan, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, February 15, 2024 at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton with his loving family at his side. His beloved wife of nearly 65 years, the former Joan L. (Hiller) Karnick preceded him in death on December 16, 2020.

Born April 17, 1930 on the family farm in South Canaan, he was the son of the late Andrew and Sophie (Wiesynke) Karnick.

The son of  Austrian immigrants, Peter's family settled on the farm near St. Tikhon's Monastery. From humble beginnings of learning to farm with horses, Peter was an enthusiastic and successful farmer his entire life. As a young man, he faithfully served his country in the United States Army from 1955-1957 during which he was stationed in Germany. The son of an Austrian-Hungary military veteran, Peter was a second generation armed serviceman; he was especially proud that both his son and grandson followed in those footsteps comprising four generations of dedicated veterans.

Upon returning home during his military service, he and Joan were married at St. Tikhon's church, and later raised a family together. Peter continued to farm at home with his brother, Adrian. Peter worked for many years as the Soil Conservationist for Wayne County, Emergency Management representative, Democratic Committeeman for South Canaan Township, and was the longest living member of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Church.

Affectionately known as "Pop-Pop" to his grandchildren, he especially enjoyed driving around in his 1959 T-Bird and 1950 Chevy truck with them. He will forever be remembered for his, generosity, willingness to help others, and sharing stories, along with his dedication to his family, his faith, his community, and his country.

He is survived by three children, Diane Brace and husband Randal, Chapman Lake, Paula Herzog and husband David, South Canaan, and Daniel Karnick and wife Ann Marie of Waymart; eight grandchildren, Stacy Davitt and partner Steve Rose, Carissa Brace and partner Chris Shock, Jennifer Green, Josh Herzog and wife Alyssa, Kaitlyn Schneider and husband Jody, Mitchell Herzog, LT Lucas Karnick and partner Amanda Walters, and Jacob Karnick; nine great-grandchildren, Mia, Olivia, Shaylee, Matthew, Shawn, Shea, Samson, Amelia, and Warren; a brother, Paul Karnick; sister-in-law; Clarice Karnick and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Adrian; and a sister, Mary Krohta.

The Funeral will be held on Monday, February 19, 2024 at 10:30 AM; there will be a public viewing from 10:00 to 10:30 in St. Tikhon's Orthodox Monastery Church, 179 St. Tikhon's Road, Waymart, PA 18472.  All attending are asked to go directly to the church.

The family will also receive friends on Sunday, February 18, 2024 from 4 to 7 PM at the Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc. 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472.

Burial will be Monday in St. Tikhon's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Peter's memory to Camp Freedom, 284 Number 7 Road, Carbondale, PA 18407 or online at https://www.campfreedompa.org/donate/

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