Benjamin "John" Holbert

Benjamin "John" Holbert of Dalton, PA, for the past 65 years, passed away on August 28, 2025, at age 81, after a short stay at Hospice of the Sacred Heart.  John was characterized as a man of strong faith, character, patriotism, loyalty, and dependability.  He was a man of many hats, not that he needed them with a full head of thick hair that he wore until the day he passed.  John dedicated himself to serving others throughout his life. He was a Dalton volunteer fireman for 65 years, serving as Fire Chief, President, Board Director, and carnival 'go-to guy.' His passion for community extended to over 30 years as Councilman and his time as Mayor. Earlier, he served four years in the US Air Force and built a successful career spanning over 40 years as a salesman and food broker.  He was known around Dalton for many of these roles, but what he loved most were his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, "G.G." and friend.

John celebrated 45 years of marriage on August 23 to his strong Welsh bride, Elizabeth Ann Guest Holbert; his beloved BettyAnn. He looked forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays when all the "kids" were together.

His advice and wisdom will be missed by sons Joseph and his wife Samantha Holbert of Stroudsburg, PA, Drs. Michael and his wife Paige Holbert of Richmond, VA, daughter Sallianne Burke and her husband Kevin Burke of Archbald and son David and his wife Dana Purdy of Freehold, New Jersey.

His deep compassion and strong sense of humor will be missed by grandchildren, Stephanie, Marissa, Kevin, and Eric Burke; Acadia, Sierra, and Oak Holbert; Evan and Ayden Purdy; and Carson and Ellis Holbert.  His enjoyment of life as "G.G." will be missed by Teddy, Riley, Conor, and Colton.

John, born on January 19, 1944, spent his early years in Lakewood, PA, moving to Dalton in 1959.  He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Willard and Helen Czapnik Holbert, big sisters Janet Holbert Kelly and Margaret Holbert Yanovich, and brother-in-law Dick Yanovich.  He has left behind little sister Cynthia Holbert, brothers-in-law Tom Kelly and Bill Guest, and many adoring cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family will fondly picture John doing puzzles and playing Rummy with BettyAnn and brother Bill; complaining because he always loses!  He will forever be remembered in his kitchen on Sunday mornings with the smell of eggs, sausage and kielbasa, the sound of the radio scanner, and the piles of papers from the fire company or Borough Council! He will forever be treasured for the warm welcomes and acceptance that he and BettyAnn, gave to anyone who walked in their door.  We are sure he is being given that welcome where he is now…

A visitation will be on Friday from 4 to 6:30 pm, followed by a short service, at Dalton Fire Company, 109 S. Turnpike Rd., Dalton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 am at Our Lady of the Abingtons Church, 207 Seminary Rd, N.Abington Twp.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dalton Fire Company, PO Box 684, Dalton, PA 18414. or the Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 100 William St, Dunmore, PA 18510.

Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, Clarks Summit.