John J. Ostrum Jr., age 72, passed into the hands of the Lord on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, at Allied Services Hospice, Wilkes-Barre.

Born April 9, 1954, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late John J. Ostrum Sr. and Mary Christopher Ostrum. John was a graduate of E.L. Meyers High School, Class of 1972, and King’s College, Class of 1977. He was a member of SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Plymouth.

Prior to his retirement, John followed in his father's and uncle's footsteps, dedicating more than 40 years of firefighting and EMT services to the Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department, and was a member of the I.A.F.F. Local 104. Throughout his career, he rose through the ranks, ultimately serving as Assistant Fire Chief.

John was determined to live his life making memories. He loved spending time with his family, and could always be seen at their activities, cheering them on and documenting the moments in photographs and videos. He had a passion for fishing and pheasant hunting, and was an avid fan of the NY Giants, NY Yankees, and NASCAR. He especially cherished hunting with his faithful canine companions, who were most recently Gus and Holly, and was surely greeted by Shane, Duke, Brittany, Fred, George, and Brandy in heaven.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Walton, nephew, Brian Brace, father- and mother-in-law Michael and Helene Sirak, and brother-in-law Michael B. Sirak.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, the former Michaelene "Mickie" Sirak; children, John Ostrum, Louisville, KY, Michael Ostrum (Cheyenne), Pittston, PA, and Alison Schappert (Jude), Hanover Twp., PA; grandchildren, Ayla, Jude, and Jovi Schappert; sister, Jill Williams (Gordon), Ashley, PA; sister-in-law Helene Skopek-Krygier; nieces and nephews, Chantel Thompson (Robert), Jason Emma, Darren Emma (Lynn), Michael Sirak (Alaina), and Joshua Sirak; grandniece and grandnephews, Aubriana Brace, Simran Mangat, and Alex and Ashton Emma; two great-grandnieces.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. at the S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 West Main Street, Plymouth, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.at SS Peter & Paul U.C. Church, Plymouth. The entombment will follow at St. Mary's Mausoleum, Hanover Twp.

Family and friends may call on Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, Plymouth. The Parastas service will be at 7 p.m. with Rev. Walter Pasicznyk, Pastor, officiating.

Words cannot express the family's gratitude to all of those who helped along the way, particularly his healthcare providers, Dr. Patrick Kerrigan, Dr. Bruce Saidman and the staff at Medical Oncology Associates, and Dr. Peter Abdelmessieh and the entire fifth-floor staff at Temple University Hospital, Jeanes Campus.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to Hope Lodge, 110 W. Laurel Ave., Cheltenham, PA 19012, and SS Peter & Paul U.C. Church, PO Box 60, Plymouth, PA 18651.