John "Jack" William Gribbin Jr.

Jack Gribbin, affectionately known by many as Captain, passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside, on June 11, 2026, in the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the age of 77. Born on July 12, 1948, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Jack lived a life defined by strength, dedication, and love for his family.

Jack graduated from Canon McMillan High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on July 11, 1967. Serving as a combat engineer on the front lines during the Vietnam War, he earned numerous honors for his service, including the Expert Rifle Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. His time in the Marines exemplified his courage and commitment to duty.

After returning home from military service in 1969, Jack married his high school sweetheart, Kathy Hrabchak. Jack and Kathy shared 57 years of marriage. He was a proud father to Kacey (Bill) Marra and Erik Gribbin and a beloved Pappy to his grandchildren Ethan (Sydney) Marra, LeeAnna (Blaise) Petrone, Sommer Gribbin, Aryonna Gribbin, and Nicholas Marra. Jack’s brother Daniel (Bonnie) Gribbin also survives him.

Jack embarked on a long career as a foreman at the coal mine. Known to his co-workers as Bossman, he was respected for his leadership and work ethic. Jack had an innate intelligence and a knack for fixing anything, from cars to computers, earning him admiration both at work and among those who knew him personally.

He was predeceased by his parents, Jacqueline Gribbin and John Gribbin Sr., as well as his brother Patrick Gribbin. Though their loss was deeply felt throughout his life, Jack carried their memory with him always. A man of faith, Jack was a devout Catholic who worshipped at St. Patrick Church and previously served as an usher there. In addition to his professional accomplishments and family devotion, Jack loved fishing and golfing and had a passion for Corvettes. His sense of humor remained sharp until the very end.

Jack’s many nicknames reflected the different roles he played in life: husband, father, Pappy, Bossman, and most notably, Captain. To those who knew him best, Captain wasn’t just a nickname; it symbolized the way he steered through life with strength and determination while inspiring others to do the same. Rest in peace, Captain. We will keep the ship afloat in your honor. May Jack’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on June 14, 2026, from 2 to 4 PM and at 6 to 8 PM at Salandra Funeral Home, Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317. A mass of Christian burial will be held on June 15, 2026, at 10 AM at St. Patrick Church, 317 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317. Burial with full military honors will occur at 9 am on June 19, 2026, at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Veterans Health Foundation https://veteranshealthfoundation.org/ways-to-give-or-donate/ a nonprofit located on the VA Pittsburgh campus that supports veteran care, research, and programs.