Joan M. (Pietralczyk) McCarthy

Joan M. McCarthy, 87, Scranton, died Monday Sept. 30th at Regional Hospital surrounded by everyone she loved.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas McCarthy, in 2022.

Born in Scranton, daughter of the late Edward and Sophie Zucosky Pietralczyk, she was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School and had been employed for many years in local retail sales.  A member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Scranton, she loved going to the bingo, playing her scratch-offs and was an avid fan of her beloved NY Yankees.

Above all, Joan will be remembered for her loving nature—for friends, family, or anyone she just met.  She enjoyed having an Easter egg hunt in her front yard for the whole block, and at Halloween she made huge candy bags to share with everyone.  At Christmastime, she would always decorate, and had large blow-up arrangements set up in the front yard.  She just wanted to make kids and family happy.  She cherished the time spent with her great-grandchildren, especially doing puzzles or watching movies. Up to the very end, Joan was checking in with family, their interests, and to see how they were doing.  

Surviving are children Tom McCarthy, Laurie Demkowich and husband Andy, and Lisa McCarthy, all of Scranton; grandchildren Jim Bingham, Macie Bingham and companion Naeem Miller, and Tony Demkowich, all of Scranton; great-grandchildren Maliyah, Kobe, Raelynn, and Ayanna; her sister Mary Ann Bonavoglia of Dunmore, and her children, Joan’s niece Maria and her nephews Jason and Michael; several other nieces, nephews, cousins, and many good friends.

She was also preceded in death by her great-grandson Naeem, Jr. and granddaughter Eimile. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 12th at 10 a.m. in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Oram St., Scranton. 

Family and friends may pay their respects from 9 a.m. until the time of service. 

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