Obituaries

Joann Clare Lucarelli, age 75, of Duryea, passed away Wednesday at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, after an illness.
Raised in the Minooka section of Scranton and born on April 8, 1941, Joann was the daughter of the late Walter (Eddie) and Clare Wzorek Sepanek. A graduate of the former St. Mary of Czestochowa School of Moosic’s Greenwood section and Scranton Technical High School, Joann originally worked as a secretary for Dr. Nicholas Pecuch, DDS, of Old Forge. For many years until her retirement, she worked in the dental laboratory of Prosthetic Arts in Moscow. Her boss and lab owner, Ron Patane, had been like a family member to Joann while providing amazing care and support, especially while she was ill.
The center of Joann’s life was her family. She had been a caregiver for both her sister and her mother, and she played a major roll in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Unforgettable, she’ll be forever loved and missed by her family and friends. An animal lover, she adored her three cats, Queequeg, Harry and Ozzy. An avid gardener who absolutely loved flowers, she took great pride in maintaining her house’s garden.
She is survived by her children, Carl lucarelli and wife Rose of Old Forge, Karen Piccolini and husband Louis (Buddy) of Old Forge and Anna Lucarelli of Cresco; four grandchildren, Ryan Lucarelli and fiance Alysia McGlynn, Buddy Piccolini and wife Jesus, Tony Lucarelli and Rico Piccolini; two great granddaughters, Aliya Lucarelli and Valentina Piccolini; her sister-in-law, Gayle Sepanek of Moosic; her brother-in-law, Edward Lovenduski of Exeter; her former husband, Angelo Lucarelli of Thompson; and nieces and nephews.
An infant son, Joseph Lucarelli; and siblings, John (Jack) and Diane Sepanek, also preceded her in death.
Her family would like to express their gratitude to Drs. Michael Fox and Lisa Thomas, as well as the full staffs of Geisinger C.M.C.’s I.C.U. and Great Valley Cardiology, for the awesome care collectively given to Joann.
A blessing service by Rev. Francis Pauselli will be celebrated on Saturday at 7:00PM in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Saturday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home. Private burial will be Monday at St. Mary of Czestochowa Cemetery, Moosic.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joann’s name to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, South Abington Twp., 18411. Please visit the funeral home’s website for direction or to leave an online condolence.