Obituaries

Michael B. Mackarey, age 90, a lifelong resident of Scranton, passed away Monday under hospice care at Regional Hospital of Scranton. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marion Tobin Mackarey, on January 8, 2008. Born on December 11, 1921, son of the late Bedway and Montura Mowad Mackarey, Michael graduated from the former Scranton Technical High School and then proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Returning home after the war he attended the University of Scranton. He worked in the snack food industry since 1963, later becoming an independent distributor for Drake’s Bakeries for 18 years before co-founding M.J. Mackarey Snacks, Inc., in 1990.
Michael was a kind and humble man whose integrity shone through in all aspects of his life. He always got his message across in a quiet but efficient manner.
Epitomizing the phrase, “America’s Greatest Generation”, his primary concern in life was the well-being of his family and creating opportunities so his children could succeed beyond what was accomplished by his generation.
Michael loved reading multiple newspapers daily and enjoyed following football and baseball. He was a wealth of good, solid, honest advice and inspiration to all who knew him. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his loving family. He will be dearly missed.
He is survived by four children, his son, Michael Mackarey and wife Ann of Clarks Summit, and his three daughters, Marianne Cummings and husband Joseph of Roaring Brook Twp., Monnie Viola and husband Carl of Penn Valley, and Margo Opsasnick and husband Dr. Stephen of Scranton; a brother, Paul Mackarey and wife Angela of Scranton; ten grandchildren, Joseph and wife Nicole, Michael and wife Sloan, Patrick and Caitlin Cummings, Michael and wife Tracy, Christopher and Margaux Viola, and Lauren, Mark and Christian Opsasnick; six great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Brothers, Peter, George (Swede), John (Colonel), and Atty. Albert Mackarey, and a sister, Jessie Mowad, also preceded him in death.
A 10:30AM Funeral Liturgy at Saint Ann Maronite Church, West Scranton, will be celebrated on Friday by Rev. Francis J. Marini, Pastor.
Funeral services and procession are scheduled to begin at 10:00AM from the Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton.
Entombment will follow the liturgy in the Cathedral Cemetery. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday between 4-8:00PM at the funeral home with incense services to be conducted at 7:30PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s name to either St. Joseph’s Center, 2010 Adams Avenue Scranton, 18509, or to St. Ann Maronite Building Fund, 1320 Price St., Scranton, 18504.