Russell J. Colosimo Sr.

Russell J. Colosimo Sr., 93, of North Scranton, passed away on Thursday, July 4 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine, who passed away in 2003.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late James and Victoria Forsette Colosimo. He was educated in Scranton schools.

Russell was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army Air Force Base Unit. He was a World War II gunner flying 65 missions in the Army Air Force. He was a Prisoner of War for nine months before his honorary discharge in 1945. Prior to his retirement, he was a laborer for 50 years with the Local Laborers Union #130.

Russell was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was a kind soul with a heart like no other. His life revolved around his family and his love of gardening, which many admired.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Julie Speicher and Midge Cooney, Hospice of the Sacred Heart including Russell's caregivers, Lynn Nizich, Charlene Romano, Ellen Duffy, David Betts, Chaplin of Hospice of the Sacred Heart, and Roberta McAllister, Suzanne Cordaro, Karen Lenchitsky from the Veterans Center, Telespond Senior Services, and Area Agency on Aging.

Surviving are his daughter and caregiver, Joann Eltringham, Scranton; two sons, Russell Jr. and wife, Kathy Ann, Scranton; James Blakely; three sisters, Sue Parfrey, Ann Walsh, both of Scranton; Sue McGuire, Duryea; 11 grandchildren, Lisa Scott and husband, Edward; Linda O'Brien and husband, Mark; Tracy Giumento and husband, Brian; Sara Colosimo; Michael Trently and wife, Amy; Katie Colosimo; James Colosimo and wife, Katie; Chelsea Minkoff; Ashley Manuel and fiancé, David Dean; Russell Colosimo III, Bryanna Colosimo; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rosemary Minkoff; three sisters, Marion, Dorothy and Carmela; and three brothers, Joseph, Anthony and Thomas.

The funeral will be conducted on Monday from the Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home Inc., 1030 N. Main Ave., with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Mary, Mother of God Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 316 William St. Interment with military honors will follow at Cathedral Cemetery.

Friends may call Sunday, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Area Agency on Aging, 200 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18503; or to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Dr., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Please visit www.solfanellifiorillofuneralhome.com for information, directions or to leave an online condolence.

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Published by Scranton Times on Jul. 6, 2013.

Legacy.com - Russell J. Colosimo Sr. On-Line Obituary, Legacy.com (PDF)