John H. Baranski Jr., 72, of Plains Twp., passed away Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022, at home with his family by his side.

Born Aug. 18, 1949, in Hanover Twp., he was the only son of the late John H. and Edith M. Baranski. He was a graduate of Hanover High School, Class of 1967.

John joined the U.S. Air Force in 1967 and served until 1971, having served a year tour of duty in Vietnam as a sergeant with the 377th Security Police at Tan Son Nhut Air Base where he received the Air Force Commendation Medal after his return. He also received a Presidential Outstanding Unit Award (with combat "V" Device) for meritorious service.

John was a life member of the Vietnam Veterans Association; Plains American Legion; Joseph E. Conlon Pot 558; life member of the Disabled American Veterans; Masonic Lodge 61 in Wilkes-Barre; Bloomsburg Caldwell Consistory, where he was a 32nd Degree Mason; International Association of Firefighters Local #840, where he served eight years as president and vice-president; International Association of Fire Chiefs; Pennsylvania State Professional Firefighters Association, where he previously served as a staff representative; and the Pennsylvania State Arson Investigators Association.

John was a career firefighter for the Plains Twp. Fire Department for 36 years, retiring in April 2011, where he held several positions within the department before becoming fire chief in 2004. He was also employed part-time by Filippini Bus Lines and Williams Bus lines for 32 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, the former Karen Brunn; two sons, John H. Baranski III and his wife, Michelle, Larksville; Brian Baranski and his wife, Heather, Kingston Twp.; grandsons, Christopher, Nathan, Gavin and Mason Baranski; niece, Cindy (Saba) Bleiler; and nephew, Jeffrey Panzak.

He was extremely proud of his sons and grandsons and followed their sporting events faithfully.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday from Corcoran Funeral Home, 20 S. Main St., Plains Twp., with Deacon Donald Crane officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hanover Twp.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to any veterans organization of your choice.