Joseph A. Cerra

Joseph A. Cerra, 98, of Dunmore, passed away Tuesday morning at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. He is survived by his wife, the former Grace Urso. The couple was married for 74 years.

Born in Carbondale, he was the son of the late Charles and Rose Adams Cerra and was a graduate of Carbondale Area High School. Prior to retirement, he was a mechanic at the former Roy Stauffar Chevrolet. He was a member of SS. Anthony and Rocco Parish in Dunmore and was a proud United States Army veteran.

Joe served during World War II in Company D 34 1st Infantry Regiment in the 86th division as a machine gun operator. He received many medals including the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic and Pacific Theater Medal, European Theater Medal, Victory Medal and a Bronze Star. He was an avid artist especially in woodcarving of celebrities and received many "thank you notes" and phone calls from the celebrities themselves after receiving the woodcarvings made by Joe. He enjoyed reading the newspaper daily but most of all he enjoyed his family, especially when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren would visit. He spoke fondly of the Mid-Atlantic Air Show that he had the pleasure to see two years in a row with his nephew, Joe. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses of the fourth floor trauma, PCU and sixth floor, especially Dr. Sanketkumar Dalwadi and Dr. Chundu Siripuram and nurses Allie and Cecillia for all of their care and compassion shown to Joe. Also, a very special thank you to the Rev. David A. Cappelloni.

Also surviving are a daughter, Rose Mary Cerra, Dunmore; grandchildren, Charlene Cerra and husband, Kenneth Crouch, Trooper, Pa.; Cassie Walsh and husband, Matthew, Clarks Summit; great-grandchildren, Jackson Crouch, Theo and Charlie Walsh; a brother, Dean Cerra, Greenfield Twp.; daughter-in-law, Cathy Cerra, Clarks Summit; sisters-in-law, Pam Schwartz and husband, Stan, Landsdale, Pa.; and Mary Urso, Scranton; goddaughter, Marianne Long, Peckville; nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by a son, Charles Cerra; sisters, Marie Lapera and Cecilia Tolerico; and brothers, Thomas and Michael Cerra.

The funeral will be Saturday from the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, with Mass at 9:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Smith Street, Dunmore. Interment with military honors, Mount Carmel Cemetery in Dunmore.

Friends may call Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's name may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

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