John P. "Jack" Wabby

John Paul “Jack” Wabby passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the age of 80, surrounded by his family and his beloved wife of 56 years, Arlene.

Jack will be remembered for his deep devotion to family, his steady presence, and the warmth he brought to everyone around him. Together, Jack and Arlene built a home filled with laughter and love, with an enduring commitment to family and friendship.

A 1964 graduate of St. Clair Area High School, Jack was a standout athlete who went on to continue his football career at Kutztown University. There, he was a four-year letterman, an all-conference defensive back, team captain, and Defensive MVP for the Golden Bears. After college, Jack continued his football career as a player-coach for the Schuylkill County Coal Crackers and as a scout for the World Football League.

Jack dedicated his life to education. He earned his bachelor’s degree in special education for the visually impaired from Kutztown University and later completed a Master of Science in Education at Bucknell University. He began his career in St. Clair as a teacher, assistant football coach, and girls’ athletic director, and later taught and coached in the Danville Area School District before moving into administration roles. Jack served as assistant principal at Williams Valley High School and later as principal at St. Clair Area High School and Blue Mountain High School, where he made a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the communities he served.

A lifelong supporter of Kutztown University, Jack was a member of the inaugural 1977 KU Athletics Hall of Fame class. He served on the KU Council of Trustees for 31 years, including two terms as chairman, and was a generous donor and a founding member of the Golden Bear Football Legacy Club. In recognition of his extraordinary commitment, he was the first recipient of the KU Athletics Legacy Award, presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to KU Athletics and the university through time, dedication, commitment, philanthropy, and overall support.

Jack’s leadership and service extended across Pennsylvania athletics. He was a member of the District XI Hall of Fame and served the Schuylkill League for 27 years, including roles as both president and vice president. He contributed to the Eastern Football Conference Steering Committee and served for 34 years on the PIAA District XI Committee, including 19 years as chairman. He also served on the PIAA Board of Directors for 19 years, including 12 years as treasurer. Throughout his many roles, Jack was a respected leader, ambassador, and advocate for student athletes.

His contributions were recognized with induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Blue Mountain All Sports Hall of Fame, and the Jerry Wolman Northern Anthracite Chapter Sports Hall of Fame. He also received the Meritorious Achievement Award from the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Jack was a proud member of the St. Clair Fish and Game, Frackville Elks, the former Pottsville Club, the Sea Isle City Commodores Club, and the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City.

In addition to his beloved wife, Arlene, Jack is survived by his daughters: Deniece Smith of Buck Run, PA; Brenda Day and her husband, George, of Lake Forest, IL; Jennifer Henderson and her husband, Anthony, of Alexandria, VA; and Caroline Barnhart and her husband, Matthew, of Pottsville, PA. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Jacob Smith; Jonathan and Padraig Day; Jackie, Victoria, and Roderick Henderson; and Jo and Lilah Barnhart.

He is also survived by his aunt, Ann Thomas, and his cousins, Dr. Paul Thomas, Lynn Bucklar, and Paul Androshick.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Mary (Thomas) and John Wabby; first cousin Mary Ann (Donlin) Androshick; and his son-in-law, Jeremy Smith.

Alongside his deep love for family, education, and athletics, Jack found joy in life’s simple pleasures—cheering on the Phillies, enjoying a glass of Pinot Noir with friends and family, and, most of all, making cherished memories with family and friends “down the shore”, especially in Sea Isle City, NJ.

Jack’s life was defined by the love he gave and the relationships he cherished. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 250 E. Hancock St., St. Clair, PA 17970. Msgr. William F. Glosser will officiate. Friends may call from 6:00–8:00 PM on Friday and from 9:30–10:30 AM on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2595 Interstate Dr., Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to http://www.brucethartfuneralhome.com