Carl Shinko

Carl J. Shinko, 71, of Factoryville passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Ann Mary Shinko on January 17, 2025, just three and a half weeks prior. The family believes he could not bear to be apart from his beloved life companion.

Born on December 3, 1953 in Wilkes-Barre, he is the son of the late Walter and Lorraine (Grantoski) Shinko.

Carl graduated from St. Leo's High School in Ashley, PA, in 1971. At 16, he met the love of his life, Annie, while they were working at St. Leo's and were inseparable ever since.

Carl pursued higher education at King's College, where he became the first double major to graduate with degrees in Mathematics and Physics. He furthered his education by earning a graduate degree in Mathematics from the Catholic University of America. Though he was ABD (All But Dissertation) when life took him in another direction, his passion for learning never wavered.

Carl's early career began at Mathematica and EDS in Washington, DC, as well as working as an independent consultant, developing software solutions for government and private-sector clients. In 1980, Carl and his wife made the decision to move back to Pennsylvania, where he joined Walsh Associates, later acquired as part of TMG. In 2005, Carl took a position at Geisinger, serving as a Senior Data Analyst in IT until 2024, when illness forced him to (finally) take some time off.

Anyone that knew Carl also knew he loved working, problem solving, and helping others. While a friend lovingly called him "humble Carl," he was known by those around him to have profound intellect, a passion for science, and an eternally curious mind. Even while ill in the hospital, he would troubleshoot computer problems for staff as they provided care for him at bedside. Because of course he would!

Carl had an understated sense of humor that ranged from corny "dad jokes" and Three Stooges slapstick to gallows humor. He also had a strong interest in science fiction: often reading books, watching movies, or television shows on the topic, which was most enjoyed at home with Annie while having iced tea and popcorn.

Carl had numerous hobbies throughout his life. He loved long hikes and bike rides, exploring new areas with friends in his youth. He would also share these wandering adventures with his wife and kids (sometimes to the dismay of Annie when they would have to carry their young tired children out of the woods). He loved driving and would pack the family in the car to take a day trip with no real destination in mind; sometimes it was to get apples, or go to a park, or visit a scenic overlook. For Carl, the journey was always more important than the destination, and he treasured the time spent together.

For many years, Carl was a fixture at breakfast on Saturday mornings at various local restaurants, where he would treat any and all who came to the table to a meal. Frequently joined by close family friend James "Uncle Jimmy" Klovensky, they would then go work on projects together.

Carl was a devout Catholic and dedicated parishioner of the Nativity BVM Church in Tunkhannock, serving as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. Additionally, he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by son, Carl V. Shinko; daughters, Mary Gerrity and husband Mike, Kate Shinko and husband Len Kalechitz, Anne Marie Shinko; grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Sean Gerrity.

Family and friends are invited to attend Carl's Mass of Christian Burial which will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM from Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 99 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657 to be celebrated by Rev. Patrick Albert and Deacon Ray Pieretti.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass on Saturday.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, 73 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

The family would like to extend immense gratitude to the care and compassion of the many staff at Geisinger, Allied Services, and Davita Dialysis who assisted Carl.

To honor Carl's memory, the family asks that you enjoy a science fiction book, film or television show with popcorn and iced tea, take a walk in nature with no real destination, or approach a new subject with curiosity and open-mindedness.

"Live long and prosper!"