Joseph Anthony Di Pietro

Joseph Anthony Di Pietro, 93, of Dunmore, passed away peacefully Thursday morning at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, the former Roseanne Tota. The couple celebrated 60 years of loving and devoted marriage this past July.

Born in Olyphant, he was the son of the late Rocco and Louisa Di Pietro originally from Gaurdia Lombardi Italy, formerly of Olyphant PA. He was a graduate of Olyphant high school and prior to retirement he was employed at the Tobyhanna Army Depot and Super Market Services. He was a member of Saint John Paul II Parish in Dunmore.

Joseph honorably served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean War era. He attained the rank of Sergeant while assigned to the Tank Company in support of the 123rd Infantry Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for his honorable service.

During his retirement, Joseph liked to spend time with family and friends, participate in his family’s annual tradition of making homemade wine, and use his skills as a jack of all trades to build, fix, and solve countless problems at his favorite place – “The Garage”. Joseph was a gifted tradesmen, working as a mechanic, equiptment operator, truck driver, brick layer, and carpenter. He used these skills to provide lasting sources of income and security for future generations of his family, passing down invaluable knowledge while doing so. Joseph was a kind man who loved his family and would always strive to do what was right. His wisdom, compassion, and love for his family will be greatly missed.

Also surviving are his brother Carmen Di Pietro, Olyphant; Sister-in-Law Carol Di Pietro, Olyphant; Nephews: Carmen Di Pietro and wife Lucia, Dunmore; Joseph Di Pietro and wife Diane, Fairfax Virginia, Rocco Di Pietro and partner Tiffany Hannah, Dunmore; David Di Pietro and wife Ginger, Kent Island Maryland; several great nieces and nephews: Carmen Di Pietro and wife Sarah, Dunmore; Gianna Cicco and husband Antonio, Dunmore; Joseph and Katie Di Pietro, Fairfax Virginia; Kessla Pfhal, and husband Robert, Pittston; Dominic Di Pietro, Dunmore; and Rocco, Grace, and Ava Di Pietro, Kent Island Maryland. Also surviving are dear friends, Robert Kontura and wife, Arlene,John Pagatto and wife Mary Ann(Mumzee) whom Joseph loved deeply and considered them members of his vast and loving family.

He was preceded in death by his only child and beloved son, Joseph Di Pietro Jr. known as “Dukie” by his family and friends; brother, Rocco Di Pietro Jr., and sister-in-law, Marion Di Pietro.

Joseph’s family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Geisinger Community Medical Center, and Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their care and compassion. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to the following for their care and assistance provided to Joseph these past few months: Elaine Skamanich, Jodi Diaz, Kathy Pritchyk, Teresa Kovach, Sandy Mesko, Debbie Hallisky, Melissa Giresi, Mary Ciccone, and especially Sue Keating for all her years of friendship.

The funeral will be Wednesday from the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc, 318 E. Drinker St. in Dunmore with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 208 Smith St. in Dunmore.

Following the Mass, Interment will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Dunmore.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday from 3-5pm at the funeral home. Friends are asked to go directly to the church on Wednesday morning.