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I first met PJ in 2006 when he announced he was running for State Representative in the 120th HD. He ran an energetic campaign but lost in a 3 way primary. He attended a few of our Saturday OT Committee and Operatic Society get togethers (the forerunner of Blogfest) and we ran into each other at various Republican events. The last time I saw him was at Aaron Kaufer's kickoff and he told me was looking forward to the next Blogfest.
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PJ was a regular commenter on Gort42 and wrote many guest posts. He even announced that he was running for state rep on this site. You can view his contributions and my coverage of his race here.
.He was a person of generosity and good humor that made you instantly like him. An educator who was a coach of youth sports and did his best to make his community a better place. We should all follow his example. My heartfelt condolences to the love of his life Suzie and his family.
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When I read his obituary I both laughed and cried.
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Paul John Matthew Stebbins Jr. surprised and annoyed us all one final time by dying suddenly Wednesday, March 7, 2012, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
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On Aug. 25, 1979, according to him, "God gave the ladies of the world a gift." One special woman was lucky enough to unwrap that gift and on June 26, 2004, he married his best friend and soul mate, of almost eight years, Suzie. He even forgave her for being a New York Yankees fan.
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Besides his wife, "PJ" found the greatest joys in the Boston Red Sox, being the best uncle, bargain shopping, Phil Collins, Republicans, funny movies, the Florida Gators and pushing his father's buttons. (And maybe the occasional hate mail that showed up after he wrote an editorial.)
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He was a member of St. Barbara Parish (St. Anthony of Padua Church), Exeter.
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He graduated from Bloomsburg University with a degree in elementary education. Paul also served as treasurer for the Young Republicans.
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With heavy hearts, he leaves behind, in addition to his wife, the former Suzie Scavone, his father, Paul Stebbins Sr.; siblings, Lea Black, Tonya Stebbins, Mandi Stebbins, Krissy Blank, Katie Cartwright and Jacob Cartwright; in-laws, Mark, Rosemary and Becky Scavone; grandmother, Irene Stebbins; aunts, uncles, cousins, several very much loved nieces and nephews; and his crazy dog, Yogi.
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Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Gubbiotti Funeral home, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter.
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PJ would ask that you honor his memory by donning your favorite Red Sox ball cap and/or voting for a Republican!
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His more practical family members, however, ask that you honor him by smiling through the pain, doting upon your children, tolerating someone difficult, making amends, being a better friend, and most importantly — turning to someone you love, right now, and telling them so. These are the qualities that he possessed and that the world needs more of.
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Many thanks to his doctors, Charles Manganiello, Mark Bernardi, Vijayaramanr Pugazhenai and Susan Brozena, and to all of the nurses at the Geisinger heart hospital.
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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Bridge Foundation, 35 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.
1 comment:
Heaven has received a new angel this week. I just learned of my friend P.j. Stebbins Jr.'s passing. I met P.J. when I was running for Congress. He saw me out getting signatures in a snow storm and immediately helped me canvas the neighborhood. He continued to assist me on my campaign and together we knocked on plenty of doors. He was a good man through and through and my heart is heavy tonight because I can honestly say that the world is a little worse place without him.
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