J. Peter Winebrake

James Peter (“Pete”) Winebrake, 84, of Clarks Summit, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 23, 2024. He is survived by Rachel (Altavilla) Winebrake, with whom he shared a devoted marriage of 60 years.

Pete was the proud, dedicated, and loving father of Peter Winebrake (Tracey) of Oreland, PA, James Winebrake (Susan) of Wilmington, NC, and Amy Cleary (Christopher) of Rydal, PA. He was “Pop-Pop” to eleven adoring grandchildren: James (Casey), Deaven, Sam, and Kate Winebrake; Benjamin (Mary), Henry, and Max Winebrake; and Jack, Molly, Anna, and Peter Cleary. He also held “favorite uncle” status with many nieces and nephews.

Born in Scranton to the late James and Elizabeth (Davis) Winebrake, Pete was a long-time resident of Clarks Summit and was well-known for his kindness, easy demeanor, and great sense of humor. Recalling his exploits at Clarks Summit High School (Class of 1957), he often remarked to his grandchildren: “I made straight A’s – although my B’s were crooked!” Pete graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Wilkes College, where he met his best friend and love of his life, Rachel, in 1961.

Pete excelled on the gridiron for the Comets and, later, at Wilkes College. He proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine for three years at Camp Lejeune, where he also played football and was named a member of the national “All-Marine” football team in 1960. Later, Pete shared his love of football as a beloved coach for the Abington Astros youth football program.

After beginning his career as an insurance adjuster, Pete and his good friend Byron Miles founded an auto parts distribution business in Scranton. He later returned to the insurance industry, and retired as the Claims Manager for the Pennsylvania State Workers’ Insurance Fund.

Always warm and friendly and loved by all who knew him, Pete enjoyed good times and lots of laughs with many hunting, fishing, and golf buddies. He was a founding member of the “Globe Trouters” fishing club and a long-time member of the Scranton Canoe Club, where he somehow managed to score a “hole-in-one” on three separate occasions. Pete also enjoyed traveling with Rachel and friends, visiting many destinations throughout the world. Most importantly, he cherished time with his family and cheering on his grandchildren during their athletic and performing arts events. 

Besides his parents, Pete was predeceased by his sisters Virginia Winebrake and Clara (“Pudge”) Adcroft.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated nursing staff at Allied Skilled Nursing Center’s 3rd Floor South for their compassionate care and support.

Pete’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 10:30 am at the Church of Saint Gregory, 330 North Abington Road, Clarks Green, PA, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated. Interment will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends from 8:30 am at the church before mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Abington Community Library, 1200 West Grove Street, Clarks Summit, PA 18411 or the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, 1118 Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, PA 18644.

For directions or to leave an online condolence, visit the funeral home website. Pete’s care has been entrusted to Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc., 111 Colburn Avenue, Clarks Summit, PA 18411.