Louis J. "Duchie" Arnone

Louis J. “Duchie” Arnone, 99, of Dunmore, died Thursday night in Allied Services Hospice Center in Scranton.  His wife, to whom he was married for over 60 years, was the late former Vita Grace Valenzano, who died August 1, 2005.

Born in Pittston, son of the late James and Michelina Acculto Arnone, he attended Dunmore public schools and was a combat veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during World War II in the 41st Infantry Division for 23 months in the South Pacific Islands, including New Guinea.  Prior to his retirement, he had worked as a heavy equipment operator within the construction industry, and was a member of Teamsters Local #229, Operating Engineers.  He was also a founding member of the San Cataldo Club in Dunmore, and the Elite Social Club where he had been named 1992 Man of the Year for his outstanding achievements.  He was a member at both McHugh-Bushweller VFW Post 3474 and the American Legion in Dunmore for 71 years.  Duchie loved spending time with those closest to him, and enjoyed his morning coffee at McDonald’s with his brothers and friends, his Friday lunches at La Cucina Restaurant in Dunmore with family and friends, and hosting pig roasts for everyone at his hunting cabin in Daleville.  He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Dunmore and its Holy Name Society,

Additionally, Duchie played an instrumental role in the designation of the tank memorial in Dunmore.  He had come up with the idea of the memorial and along with the U.S. Army and former Senator Rick Santorum, a ground-combat M-60 tank was obtained and placed on the island at South Blakely Street in Dunmore, and dedicated on Veterans Day weekend in 1999.

Surviving is a daughter, Michelina “Micki” Cushner and husband Leonard. and son, Vince L. Arnone, Ret. Dunmore Fire Chief, and wife Roseann, all of Dunmore; his brothers, Charles “Chuck” Arnone of Dunmore, Joseph Arnone and wife Ann of Scranton, and Vince “Butch” Arnone of Dunmore; as well as nieces and nephews. 

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Sam and infant Joseph. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Allied Services Rehab and Allied Services Hospice in Scranton for their kind attention and care to Duchie during his time of need.

The funeral will be Monday from the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in the St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, Chestnut St., Dunmore.  Interment to follow in Dunmore Cemetery.

Friends may call Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Contributions in Duchie’s honor may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

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