Joseph John Arcuri, Sr.

Joseph John Arcuri, Sr., died on September 16, 2025 peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Born on August 1, 1946, Joe was the son of the late Thelma Williams and the late Anthony Arcuri and lived his entire life in West Scranton, PA.  

Joe married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy (Bernavage) on May 23, 1970.  They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in 2025.  The couple are the proud parents of 3 sons: Dr. Joseph Arcuri Jr., Dean Arcuri, and Greg Arcuri, who, along with their loving partners Werner, Paul and Kelly cared for Joe throughout his illness with admiration, love and devotion.  Joe’s sons remember their Dad both for his extraordinary work ethic and his love for family that helped create a spectacular life for them and their families.  Joe has 4 grandchildren: Olivia, Iris, Landry and Lilliana, all of whom loved their grandfather dearly.  Joe is also survived by his siblings Ralph Arcuri and Tina Shuker, sister-in-law Marie Kasulis, nephew Bill Kasulis, and nieces Jeanine Kasulis and Marilyn MacDonald.

Joe graduated from West Scranton High School Class of 1965 and earned his BA in teaching from Kutztown University.  He had also honorably served in the U.S. Army reserves as a chemical warfare specialist.  He worked as a teacher in the Scranton School District at Scranton Technical High School, Central High School and finally at Scranton High School where he served as Chair of the History Department before his retirement in 2012.

Joe loved sports throughout his life and in addition to his teaching career, served as head football coach for Bishop O’Hara, Scranton Tech, and Scranton High School and was a decorated PIAA official for football, basketball, and track for 46 years.  His colleagues will remember his commitment to the development of young minds and his extraordinary dedication to his work in teaching, coaching, and officiating.  

Joe was preceded in death by his mother Thelma, father Anthony, and siblings Mary MacDonald and Tony Arcuri.  

The family would like to extend their gratitude to everyone who made this challenging time easier to bear.  In particular, we thank Connor, Aizlyn, Makenna and Christian for their love for Joe and support for the family.

Family will greet visitors in the vestibule of the Church of SS. Peter and Paul, 1309 West Locust Street, Scranton, PA 18504 on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 10 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial beginning promptly at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to Allied Services Hospice Unit, 511 Morgan Highway, Scranton, PA 18508.