John Kubalak passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, at the age of 81. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 20, 1945, he was the only child of the late John R. Kubalak and Mary Vincz Kubalak. John was a caring husband, father, grandfather, teacher and veteran.
A 1963 graduate of Burgettstown Union High School, John attended Ohio Northern University before proudly serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1970. He served as an E5 combat medic and operating room technician with the 27th Surgical Hospital in Vietnam and later taught at the Medical Training Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
On June 17, 1967, he married Marilyn Ann Kemp, beginning nearly six decades of friendship, family and shared memories. John later earned degrees from California University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from Penn State University. He devoted 32 years to Penns Valley Area School District as a technology education and math teacher, football coach, and Assistant Athletic Director before retiring in 2004.
John enjoyed history, collecting military memorabilia, fishing trips to Canada and searching for antique treasures. He was known for his intelligence, loyalty and quirky sense of humor. Above all, he cherished simple moments with loved ones and the traditions they shared together.
John is survived by his wife, Marilyn; sons, John “J.D.” (Holli) and Paul (Kerri); grandchildren, Valerie Ilgen (Hunter), Emalee (Michael Cuff), Nicolas (Abigail Rummel), Paige Bailey (Jordan), Sydney, Cameron and Addisyn (Josiah Treece); and great-grandchildren, Bohdan and Holden.
His impact will live on through his family, former students and the many people fortunate enough to learn from him; while his loved ones carry forward the stories, traditions and memories he cherished most.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 12:00 – 1:00 PM, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM, at the funeral home, with Reverend Elise Lenhart officiating, with a 21-gun salute concluding the services. Burial services will be held privately at the convenience of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In honor of John’s legacy in education, memorial contributions may be made toward the John L. Kubalak Technology Education Scholarship, which the family plans to establish through the Penns Valley Area School District to support future students in technology education. Those interested in contributing may contact J.D. or Paul Kubalak at jdkubalak@gmail.com.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com