Dennis Korba Obituary

Dennis J. Korba, 73, of Exeter, was suddenly stricken ill Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, while shopping at Walmart. He was pronounced dead in the emergency room of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township.

Born in Hazleton on Aug. 29, 1952, he was the son of the late Andrew and Anna Tarapchak Korba of Beaver Meadows.

Dennis graduated from MMI Preparatory School in 1970 and, with an adventurous spirit, traveled the country with his friends, eventually residing in Albuquerque, N.M., where he lived for many years. He attended culinary school, played guitar, worked in restaurants, and had many friends. He was a fan and follower of the Grateful Dead and once babysat for River Phoenix.

He eventually moved home to Pennsylvania, worked at Ferdinand's Family Restaurant for many years, and met his future wife, Sharon, in Hazleton. They were married on Sept. 12, 2003. He later worked at Schiffs Restaurant and Catering in Scranton and retired from there in 2018.

Dennis was an avid reader and devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan. He enjoyed fishing, attending bluegrass festivals and concerts, and traveling with his wife to the Jersey Shore. Their last adventure together was a trip to Nashville, Tenn., and the Grand Ole Opry in November.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, was his sister, Donna Trimmer.

He is survived by his loving wife, the former Sharon Hammond-Rivena Korba; his sister, Mary Leanne Korba Purse and her husband, Dr. Richard Purse, of Yardley; nephew, Rick Purse; niece, Alyson Purse Tuliback; and great-niece, Katlyn Tuliback.

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Gubbiotti Funeral Home LLC, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Anthony of Padua Church (Corpus Christi Parish), 224 Memorial St., Exeter, with the Rev. Michael Drevitch as celebrant.

Interment will be at a later date.

To send the family an expression of sympathy or condolences, please visit www.gubbiottifh.com.