John Kobialka

John thought it was a great life, as long as you didn’t weaken. Having survived the Battle of Anzio in the second world war, there wasn’t too much that could weaken him. He loved to build: He was a one man operation and built a house in Delran by himself and then bought “fixer uppers” in Philly to rehab and sell. You’d most likely find him out in his yard, cutting the grass, raking leaves and trimming the bushes. Truth be told, he just liked the fresh air. Earlier years found him playing some golf; not a bad player, he once carded an ace. If he got loose for the day he’d head off to Parx and do some battle with the one-armed bandits. But his biggest battles were probably in Pinochle; he and his wife played for years. John always had a song in him: seems he could pick up just about any instrument and play it; a great trick for livening up family parties. He never strayed too far from his Polish roots; he loved a good Polka as much as a good Kielbasa.

A family wedding brought together a young Jean Drensewicz with the handsome John. Their 62 year union was blessed by two children, Edward and Marian Feuerhammer and later by 4 grandchildren: Rebecca, Dana, James and Beth. Jean died in 2013; John followed her home five years later to the day. He is survived by thee siblings: sisters, Josephine and Helen and a brother, Victor. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, Riverside. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.