John W. Ciocca, Sr.

Master Sergeant John W. Ciocca Sr, Retired United States Air Force, was born in Bamberg Germany on September 4, 1953 to the late Michael Ciocca and late Kunigunda (Connie) Ciocca. He passed away on Friday, October 2, 2020 at the Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. 

John retired from a distinguished, 24-year career in the United States Air Force, that included service in the Vietnam War, as well as Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  Highly decorated, he earned four Air Force Commendation Medals; the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Award; the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm; both the Air Force Short and Long Term Service Medals; two National Defense Service Medals; six Air Force Longevity Service Awards; eight Air Force Good Conduct Awards; two Non Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education  Ribbons and two Air Force Meritorious Service Medals.

Throughout his career he was stationed in many places including Thailand, Michigan, Germany, North Carolina, Las Vegas, and numerous offices throughout Pennsylvania. 

After his military career, John received a Bachelor's Degree from Misercordia University and went on to pursue a career in Corrections and Counseling and retired in 2015.

John was an active member of the Luzerne Assembly of God Church where he volunteered faithfully for 33 years.

John is survived by his wife of 48 years Mary Ann Ciocca and daughter Katie Ciocca and his grandchildren Justin and Alexis; his brothers and sisters: Frank Ciocca, Tom Ciocca Sr, Dee and Charles Murray, Maria and Joe Wentline, Mark and Tiffany Ciocca, Debbie and Matthew McLaughlin, Karen and Joe Gerrity, Rose and John Gawel, and Tom Jenkins Sr. He is also survived by his God Daughter Christine Boyle, many nephews, nieces, cousins, and an extended family in Germany.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, John Ciocca Jr and his brother Mike Ciocca.

In his free time, John enjoyed fishing with his brother Frank, golfing with his friends and traveling to Atlantic City with his wife and her sister. He had a smile that would light up any room and a laugh that you would hear from a mile away.

A special thank you for the care given to John while he was at the Commonwealth Health General Hospital. Their level of care and excellence will never be forgotten. 

Private services will be held for family members only. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in John’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project. www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org

Online condolences can be left for the family at KniffenFuneralHome.com.  Arrangements by Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services.

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