John Patrick "Pat" Bohannon

John Patrick “Pat” Bohannon, 98, of Port Carbon, passed away peacefully in his home in the early hours of March 1, 2026. Pat was a lifelong Port Carbon staple, born in the very same home in 1927 to father Patrick Bohannon and Mother Jennie Burns Bohannon. Having weathered nearly 100 years and multiple floods that forced him to restore this home with his own hands, Pat was a fixture of the community and could always be found on the front porch in nice weather with a sunny disposition to match. He leaves behind a profound legacy, having raised five children in his family home, leading to seven grandchildren, and six more great grandchildren as of his passing. He was a lifetime member of Saint Stephen Church in Port Carbon, where he regularly attended Mass until its closing, at which point he moved to St. Clare of Assisi Church in St. Clair. Pat led a lifetime of service to his country, service to the community, and hard work that all should aspire to, having served honorably as a member of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. From there, he undertook a decades-long career as a lineman and supervisor for PP&L. He further found time to coach Port Carbon Biddy-League Basketball, serve as President of the Port Carbon Little League, and act as Chairman of the Port Carbon Zoning Hearing Board for more than two decades. Retirement scarcely slowed him down, as he could be regularly seen working hard maintaining his home personally well into his 90s, often to the chagrin of his family who would chide him to slow down and relax. This, however, was simply not Pat Bohannon’s way. Even his down time was marked by his desire to connect with others as he made multiple trips to his ancestral homeland of Ireland where he enjoyed time with extended family, soaked up the area’s history, and quickly formed friendships with the locals. Closer to home, the towns of Cape May and Wildwood Crest were beloved and regular vacation spots. With over 40 years of travel to those areas, he also developed and maintained many close friendships there. Pat was a devoted husband of nearly 50 years to his wife, Evelyn “Evie” Adams Bohannon, who preceded him in death in 2005, and was often recalled fondly by Pat to friends and family. He spent the vast majority of his life dedicated to caring for a family that was beyond fortunate to have had him in their lives. He is survived by his five children, Kathleen Bohannon of Wyomissing; Janie Bohannon Shields Wessner and her husband, Wade, of Auburn; John Bohannon of Bridgeport, CT; Sandra Bohannon Wanniski and her husband, Bill, of Forrestville; and Michael Bohannon, who lived in the same home and cared for him in his twilight years. He was affectionately known as “Pap” to younger generations (both direct family and their friends) a loving and devoted grandfather to grandchildren who survive him: Conor Shields and his partner, Grainne Lynn, of Philadelphia; Dominic Angelo and his partner, Kara, of Greenville, SC; Alison Angelo Matteo and her husband, Chris, of Hoboken, NJ; Caitlin Shields Connolly and her husband, James, of Pottsville; Courtney Shields Soares and her husband, Justin, of Milford, CT; Keara Bohannon of Los Angeles, CA; and Makailah Bohannon of Daytona Beach, FL. In recent years, Pap also became a great-grandfather of six more children: Grant Shields Skibiel, Livia Matteo, Rocco Matteo, Cara Lynn Shields, Alexander Shields Connolly, and Peter Shields Soares. Pat was always a warm and inviting presence that attracted both friends and family to his orbit frequently, hosting “Happy Pappy Hour” at his handcrafted basement bar, which he restored almost single-handedly after multiple floods. Most recently of which, included a Herculean effort at the age of 90. An excellent bartender and raconteur, Pat could often be found regaling others with a Miller Lite draft in hand and a game on in the background surrounded by friends and family. He enjoyed sharing sincere and meaningful conversations with almost everyone fortunate enough to meet him. Finding those with an ill word to say about him would be a difficult task indeed. Pat’s family and friends will remember him for his sound advice, warmth, and good nature. He will be dearly missed. A viewing will be held from 9:30 AM till time of Mass on Friday, March 6th at St. Clare of Assisi Church at 250 E. Hancock St. in St. Clair, PA. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM at St. Clare of Assisi Church. Interment with Military Honors will follow at St. Stephen's Cemetery in Port Carbon. The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home, Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements. www.robertaevansjrfh.com