PATRICIA R. PARISETTE
Patricia R. Parisette, 66, Lake Ariel, formerly of Merrick, Long Island, died October 2 at the VNA Hospice at Community Medical Center after an illness. Her husband is Richard R. Parisette. The couple would have celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary Oct. 24.
Born in Queens, N.Y., daughter of the late William C. and Julia Torma McKeogh, she was a graduate of Franklin K. Lane High School in New York. Prior to retirement in 1988, she was employed as a clerical worker for Smith Barney.
The funeral was from the Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Home, Route 690 and First Street, Spring Brook Township, with services by Deacon John Franceschelli. Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.

RITA M. VAIL
Rita M. Vail, McDade Apartments, died September 30 at Mercy Hospice. Her husband is William L. Vail. They were married 52 years on Nov. 29, 1999.
Born in Dunmore, daughter of the late Thomas A. and Margaret Racht Ruane, she was a graduate of Dunmore High School and prior to retirement was a nurse’s aide at Adams Manor.
She was a wonderful loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt.
Surviving are two daughters, Lee Ann Duddek, Clarks Summit; and Linda Fuller, Mount Cobb; a son, William L. Jr., Tunkhannock; a brother, Thomas Ruane, Roaring Brook Township; a sister, Joan Durdach, Dunmore; 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Marjorie Decker and Madlyn Shields.
The funeral was from the Edward Knight-O’Donnell Funeral Home, 323 Williams St., with Mass in Our Lady of the Snows Church, Clarks Summit. Entombment, Cathedral Cemetery Mausoleum.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice, 746 Jefferson Ave., 18510

VIOLET RUTKAUSKAS
Violet Rutkauskas, Scranton, died October 1 in Abington Manor Nursing Home, Clarks Summit, where she was a guest. She was the widow of Anthony Rutkauskas, who died in 1982.
Born in Scranton, daughter of the late Michael and Barbara Yukas Gedman, she was a member of Holy Family Church, Scranton.
She was a good mother and a loving grandmother.
Surviving are two daughters, Annette Gabriel, Factoryville, Roberta Decker, Ellenville, N.Y.; two sons, Anthony Jr., Scranton, and John, Lake Ariel; a sister, Marion Biagoli, Scranton; two brothers, Charles and Don Gedman, both of Scranton; five grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a grandson.
The funeral was in the Cathedral Cemetery Chapel with services by Monsignor Constantine Siconolfi, pastor of Holy Family Church. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.
Arrangements by Howard J. Snowdon Funeral Home, 1810 Sanderson Ave.

JOAN A. O’BRIEN
Joan A. O’Brien, The Hideout, Lake Ariel, died October 1 in the VNA Hospice Unit of the Community Medical Center. Her husband is Robert G. O’Brien.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine Toner Colwell, she was employed as a bookkeeper for the First City National Bank of Brooklyn.
Also surviving are five sons, and 13 grandchildren.
The funeral was from St. Joseph’s Church, Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y. Interment, Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, N.Y.
Local arrangements by James Wilson Funeral Home, Route 296, Lake Ariel.

MARY L. ( MAE) LOFTUS
Mary L. (Mae) Loftus, North Scranton, died October 3 at St. Mary’s Villa Nursing Home, Elmhurst. She was the widow of William J. Loftus, who died October 26, 1977.
Born in Scranton, daughter of the late James A. and Florence M. Gerrity Cullington, she was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School, and prior to her marriage, she worked for American Airlines in New York City. She was a member of Holy Rosary Church, and a former member of the Catholic Women’s Club.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.
Surviving are three sons, William P., North Wales; James M., Turnersville, N.J., and Thomas R., Alexandria, Va.; a daughter, Karen Gabello, Moscow; a sister, Virginia Cullington, Brooklyn, N.Y.; two brothers, Robert F. Cullington, Spring Hills, Fla., and John R. Cullington, Augusta, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Joseph P., Thomas F., William P. and James F.
The funeral was from the Edward Knight O’Donnell Funeral Home, 323 William St., with Mass in Holy Rosary Church, Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Villa Nursing Home, St. Mary’s Villa Road, Elmhurst, 18416.

LEONARD J. MALINOSKI
Leonard J. Malinoski, 71, Lakeville, died October 3 after suffering a heart attack while bowling and was pronounced dead at Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale. His widow is the former Leona Pappas. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Nov. 23.
Born March 27, 1929 in Dickson City, son of the late Joseph and Lillian Plauskus Malinoski, he was a graduae of Dickson City High School. He later attended the University of Scranton for two years. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II, serving at the Kessler Air Force Base in Mississippi. He was self-employed in the refrigeration business and was the owner of Reliable Service until retirement. He was a member of St. Thomas More Parish, Lake Ariel, attended St. Mary’s Church, Ledgedale, and was a Eucharistic minister and lector for the parish. Last Sunday, he was elected to the pastoral council of St. Thomas More Church. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Hoban Assembly, and was a member and former grand knight of the Lake Ariel council of the Knights of Columbus. He was a charter member of the Ledgedale Fire Company.
Also surviving are a son, Gary, Hawaii; a brother, Richard, State College; two grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
The funeral with Mass was in St. Mary’s Church. Interment was private.

ALFRED SLIMAK
Alfred Slimak, Blakely, died October 5 at home.
Born in Olyphant, son of Amelia Malski Slimak, Blakely, and the late John Slimak, he was employed as a lineman for Bell Telephone Co. He attended elementary school at St. Michael’s School, Olyphant, and graduated from Blakely High School. He served with the Navy for four years and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Shopa-Davey Post 6082, Peckville.
Also surviving are a daughter, Lynn Ann, Lake Ariel; and two sons, Brian, Florida; and Stephen, Lake Ariel.
He was preceded in death by a son, Scott.
Private funeral services were held from John J. Turko and Sons Funeral Home, 404 Susquehanna Ave., Olyphant, with Mass in St. Michael the Archangel Church, Olyphant, celebrated by the Rev. Martin J. Gaiardo. Interment, parish cemetery.

BEATRICE KIZER MARSICO
Beatrice "Bea" Kizer Marsico, Scranton, died October 5 at Community Medical Center after an illness. She was the widow of Joseph F. Marsico Sr., who died July 24, 1992.
Born and educated at Lake Ariel, daughter of the late George and Temperence Hoover Kizer, she was formerly employed as a waitress by the Erie Hotel, Elmhurst. She later made her residence in Scranton, where she and her husband were very active in the West Side Miss-E League and West Side Little League. She was a member of St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin.
She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and touched many lives with her tenderness and kindness. She loved to play bingo and do arts and crafts. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
Surviving are four daughters, Angie Haffner, with whom she resided; Mary Petroziello, Theresa Mullen and Robin Morales, all of Scranton; five sons, Angelo, Joseph, Jeffrey, Lawrence and James, all of Scranton; a brother, Bill Kizer, Taylor; two sisters, Joan Shea, Scranton, and Genevieve Hauman, Carbondale; 24 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra; a son, Robert; four brothers, Harry, Edward, George and Kenneth; two sisters, Florence Kizer and Betty Morgan; and a granddaughter. 
The funeral was from Carl J. Savino Funeral Home with Mass in St. Maria Goretti Church. Interment, Marcy Cemetery, Duryea.

EDWARD WANALISTA
Edward (Grit) Wanalista, 88, died October 7 at home after an illness. He was married 58 years to the former Anna Czerw.
Born in Avoca, son of the late Paul and Anna Yabconka Wanalista, he was educated in Avoca schools. He was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Church, Avoca. He worked in coal mines and was last employed at Cee-Kay Auto, Moosic, prior to retirement.
Also surviving are four sons, Edward Jr., Melbourne, Fla.; Donald, Mount Laurel, N.J.; Richard, Louisville, Ky.; and Charles, Avoca; two daughters, Rose Ann Murphy, Moscow; and Mary Lou Adams, Skippack; a brother, Walter, Avoca; a sister, Mary Betsko, Wyoming; 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Rudolph; two sisters, Anna McAndrew and Amelia Quinn; and a grandson.
The funeral was from the Ruane and Regan Funeral Home, 1308 Grove St., Avoca with Mass in SS. Peter and Paul Church, Avoca. Interment, parish cemetery, Moosic.

RAYMOND J. FILIPKOSKI
Raymond J. Filipkoski, North Scranton, died October 6 at home after an illness. His widow is the former Dolores Carey. They celebrated their 50th wedding annviersary May 6.
Born in Scranton, son of the late Joseph and Michaelina Filipkoski, he was a graduate of Scranton Central High School. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving as a radio man second-class. He received the European and the American theater ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. Prior to retirement, he was a superintendent at A.& P. Supermarkets. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church.
He was an avid bowler and had played minor league baseball. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Also surviving are two sons, Raymond, Blakely; and Ronald, Scranton; a sister, Florence Youshock, Moscow; four grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The funeral was from the Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home, Inc., 1030 N. Main Ave., with Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Main Avenue. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.

THEODORE FRANC
Theodore Franc, Lake Ariel, died October 9 in Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale. His wife is the former Helen Frisbie. They celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary Sept. 27.
Born in Lake Ariel, son of the late George and Bertha Polley Franc, he was a graduate of Lake Ariel High School and a member of Lake Ariel United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Northeast Pennsylvania Maple Syrup Association. Before retirement, he was self-employed in the sawmill industry.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild.
Surviving are a daughter, Elaine Cook, Lake Ariel; a son, Bennie, Lake Ariel; a sister, Kathryn Enslin, Lake Ariel; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, James; a daughter, Ann Louise Curtis; six brothers, Harry, Sherwood, Charles, Stanley, Earl and Chester; two sisters, Mildred Patterson and Ruth Reed; and a great-grandson.
The funeral was from the James Wilson Funeral Home Inc., Route 296, Lake Ariel, with services by the Rev. Ron Onder of the Lake Ariel United Methodist Church. Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lake Ariel United Methodist Church, 110 Maple Ave., Lake Ariel, 18436, or the the Lake Ariel Fire Company, P.O. Box 31, Lake Ariel.

MARY L. PALMIERE
Mary L. Palmiere, Old Forge, died October 7 in the Mercy Hospice Unit after a lengthy battle with a brain tumor. She was the widow of Joseph Palmiere, who died June 24, 1987.
Born in Old Forge, daughter of the late Salvatore and Frances Scavo LeRose, she was educated in Old Forge schools. Prior to retirement, she was employed by the Taylor Dress Co. She was a member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church, Old Forge, and its altar and rosary society. She was a member of the Old Forge Retired Citizens.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her strong faith and belief in God gave her the courage to battle her illness.
Surviving are two daughters, Pat Taylor, her caregiver, of Old Forge, with whom she resided, and Cynthia Kosher, Weatogue, Conn; three brothers, Joseph, Bridgewater, N.J.; Samuel, Daleville; and James, Old Forge; two sisters, Phyllis Alfis and Anita Emilianovitz, both of New Milford, N.J.; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Carol Sosslau, Jenny Jones and Helen Pehanich; and a granddaughter.
The funeral was from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with Mass in St. John the Baptist Church, Main Street, Taylor, by the Rev. Philip A. Altavilla, pastor of St. John the Baptist Church and Immaculate Conception churches, Taylor. Interment, Old Forge Cemetery.

JOSEPH A. BARILLO
Joseph A. Barillo, 87, of Lake Ariel, died October 10 at home. His widow is the former Helen Malecki. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in March.
Born in Italy, son of the late Joseph and Louisa Barillo, he was a member of St. Thomas More Church, Lake Ariel, where he was a minister of hospitality, and the Knights of Columbus, Lake Ariel. Before retirement, he had been employed as a tractor trailer driver for Arrow Transportation. He was a devoted dad and loving grandfather. His grandchildren were his world.
Also surviving are two daughters, Lorna Gilpin, with whom he resided; and Sondra Varoli, Ridgewood, N.J.; three sons, Ronald, Milford; Dennis, Lancaster; and Gary, Daytona, Fla.; a brother, Rocco, Daytona, Fla.; 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Bruce; and a daughter, Carol.
The funeral was from James Wilson Funeral Home Inc., Lake Ariel, with Mass in St. Thomas More Church, Lake Ariel, celebrated by the Rev. Edward R. Scott, pastor. Interment, East Canaan Cemetery.

HELEN L. SLUKO
Helen L. Sluko, Dunmore, died October 8 in St. Mary’s Villa Elmhurst, following an illness. She was the widow of Charles Sluko, who died Feb. 2, 1975.
Born in Dunmore, daughter of the late John and Mary Grega Kontura, she was a member of All Saints Church, Dunmore, and its altar and rosary society. She was a graduate of Dunmore High School, East Stroudsburg Teaching College and Marywood College, and prior to her retirement in 1995, she was a teacher for over 50 years in the Dunmore School District. She was a member of the American Federation of Teachers, the Dunmore Teachers Association and the Greek Catholic Union.
She was a loving and caring mother, grandmother and sister, who took great pride in her family and the accomplishments of her former students. As a teacher, she had a positive effect on the lives of children entrusted to her care, and she loved her profession. She will be sadly missed by her loving family and all who knew her.
Surviving are a son, Richard C., Dunmore; two sisters, Mary Kontura, Elmhurst, and Ludmilla Randelunas, Throop; three granddaughters; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by five brothers, John, Joseph, Albert, Andrew and Steven Kontura; and a sister, Ann Kontura.
The funeral was from the Thomas J. Golden Funeral Home, 2004 Delaware St., Dunmore, with Mass in All Saints Church, Ward Street, Dunmore. Interment, St. Michael’s Cemetery, Dunmore.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Kirby Health Center, Wilkes-Barre, or to St. Mary’s Villa, Elmhurst.

MARGARET MARY McCARTHY AYRES
Margaret Mary McCarthy Ayres, 55, Tafton, died October 11 at the hospice unit of Mercy Hospital after an illness. She was the wife of William Gregory Ayres.
Born in Philadelphia, daughter of the late William J. and Mary Ruth Thompson McCarthy, she was a housewife and a member of Queen of Peace Church, Hawley. She had formerly resided in Philadelphia before moving to Tafton 11 years ago.
Also surviving are three sons, the Rev. William G. Ayres Jr., Philadelphia; Michael A., Scranton; and Joseph C., Tafton; a daughter, Margaret Ayres, Tafton; a sister, Ruthanne Ayres, Stratford, N.J.; six brothers, William J., Moscow; Robert A., Drums; J. Michael, Philadelphia; Thomas, Ladson, S.C.; Philip, Upper Darby; and James, Bala Cynwyd; a grandson; nieces and nephews.
The funeral was from Teeters’ East Chapel, 505 Church St., Hawley, with Mass in Queen of Peace Church, Hawley, celebrated by Mrs. Ayres’s son. the Rev. William Ayres Jr. Concelebrant was the Rev. William B. Healey, pastor. Interment, parish cemetery, Hawley.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis DeSales School, 917 S. 47th St., Philadelphia 19143.

NANCY A. EDWARDS
Nancy A. Edwards, 62, Morristown, N.J., died October 11 at home. Her husband is James Edwards.
Born in Moscow, she was employed as a teacher of special education in the Morris School District, N.J. Prior to that, she taught in the Plainfield School District. She attended Marywood University. She was a member of the Morristown United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher for many years. She was also a member of the New Jersey Education Association and the Morris County Retired Teachers Association.
Surviving are two daughters, Kathryn Sens, Denville, N.J., and Annette Dobleske, Kinnelon, N.J.; a brother, Paul Johnson, Moscow; and two grandchildren.
The funeral was in the Morristown United Methodist Church. Interment was private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, c/o Morristown Memorial Hospital, 100 Madison Ave., Morristown, N.J. 07960, or to the Morristown United Methodist Church, 50 Park Place, Morristown, 07960. 

RALPH J. GRUDZINSKI
Ralph J. Grudzinski, a South Scranon resident, died October 11 at Community Medical Center. His wife of 48 years is the former Marie J. Haynos.
Born in Scranton, son of the late Stanley and Josephine Reybitz Grudzinski, he was educated in Scranton schools, and prior to retirement, was employed by the Gibbons Brewery for over 42 years. He was an Army Air Force veteran of World War II. As a corporal, he was a navigator serving in many missions throughout Europe. He was a member of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Through the years, he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports, and participate in cheerleading. He also greatly enjoyed attending many of his grandchildren’s violin and dance recitals. He was an avid gardener, bird lover and lifeguard at the family pool. He was also a dedicated member of the church. He is deeply loved and missed by all.
Also surviving are four sons, Ralph K., Scranton, Robert, Gouldsboro, David, Scranton, and Gary, Scranton; a daughter, Jean Marie Zagorsky, Stroudsburg; a brother, John, Scranton; nine grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Jean Grudzinski.
The funeral was from the Nicholas Chomko Funeral Home, 1132 Prospect Ave., with Mass in Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church celebrated by Monsignor Leonard Novak, pastor. Interment, parish cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Hearts Church Fund, 1217 Prospect Ave., 18505.

ANDREW GEORGE WITKO SR.
Andrew George Witko Sr., Gouldsboro, died October 12 at Community Medical Center after an illness. His widow is the former Edie Anagnostou of Piraeus, Greece. The couple married in March of 1962.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, son of the late Andrew George and Anna Biekish Witko, he was a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. He was a graduate of Breidlin Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre. At the onset of World War II, he joined the Army, and achieved the rank of sergeant. He was a member of the 309th Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, and flew missions over Rome(Arno), northern and southern France (Northern Apennines), the Po Valley, the Balkans and Germany. He was also part of the O.S.S. (Office of Strategic Services). He earned seven bronze stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the Distinguished Unit Badge with one Oak Leaf Cluster and The American Defense Service Medal for European/African/Middle Eastern service. After the war, he entered the State Police Academy, Hershey. He served as a state trooper from 1945 to 1969, when he retired. Mr. Witko was employed for several years in the security department of the Lackawanna County Courthouse, and as a corrections officer for the Lackawanna County Correctional Facility.
He was an avid golfer, loved baseball and football, and spent many an hour in front of the television rooting for his Yankees and Steelers. He loved crossword puzzles, playing the harmonica and the piano. He especially loved to make people smile and constantly reminded friends and family over the years that he "flew over General Rommel." He will always be remembered as a wonderful father and grandfather, as well as a husband who was extremely devoted to his adored wife. He will also be remembered as a man of integrity who believed in righteousness, and who held a great compassion for his fellow man.
Also surviving are two daughters, Amy Froese, Tobyhanna Road, Gouldsboro; and Andrea Anna Witko, Gouldsboro; a son, Andrew George Jr., Gouldsboro; five sisters, Josephine and Dorothy, both of Wilkes-Barre; Alice, Conyngham; Margaret, New York City, N.Y., and Rose, California; two grandchildren; nieces, a nephew and family members in Greece. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen and Elizabeth; and two brothers, Alex and John.
The funeral was from the Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Home, Route 690, Spring Brook Township, with services in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, North Washington Avenue.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 505 N. Washington Ave., 18509.

ROBERT F. OSBORNE
Robert F. "Oz" Osborne, 46, a resident of Spring Brook Township since 1963, died October 13 in the Mercy Hospital Hospice.
Born in Scranton, son of Shirley York Mroz, Moosic, and the late Harold Osborne, who died in March of 1989, he was a 1971 graduate of North Pocono High School, and a member of the Spring Brook United Methodist Church of Christ. He was an over-the-road truck driver for over 25 years and was employed by C and M Distributors, Falls. Previously, he worked for the Apple House, Moosic, and was also employed by his father.
He was a kind-hearted and loving person, and to know his was to love him. He was a great son, father, brother, uncle and friend who had a great sense of humor. He loved the great outdoors, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and concerts.
Surviving are a daughter, Natalie Chapman, Moscow; two sons, Frank Haddix and Robert Osborne, both of Scranton; a sister, Sheryl Popeck, Dunmore; two brothers, William, Scranton, and Jeffrey, Spring Brook; aunts, uncles and cousins.
The funeral was from the Spring Brook United Methodist Church of Christ, with services by the Rev. Grace Dearin and the Rev. Stephen Westfall. Interment, Spring Brook Cemetery.
Arrangements by the Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Home, Route 690, Spring Brook Township.