Obituaries

Johanna (Cookie) Schifano, age 73, of Old Forge, passed away Saturday morning at Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit, Dunmore, following an illness. She is survived by her best friend and beloved husband of 51 years, Anthony Schifano, Sr.
Born in Pittston on April 18, 1944, Johanna was the daughter of the late Samuel and Marie Chairge Guarniere. A graduate of the former Pittston City High School, Class of 1961, where she served as class treasurer while being voted “Most Outstanding Girl”, she next studied education at Marywood College. On March 5, 1966, she married her high school sweetheart before beginning a family and raising her three beautiful children whom she deeply adored. Of strong Roman Catholic faith, she was a devoted member of the Prince of Peace Parish in Old Forge.
An amazing cook and baker, her Italian cookies were her speciality, and holiday dinners at her house were always memorable. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and beloved “nona” to her grandson Jacob, the love of her life. She dedicated her life to her family in which they are forever grateful for her nurturing, selflessness and eternal love. Now at peace, she will be forever be missed.
She is also survived by her three loving children, Tony Schifano, Jr., of Old Forge, Christine Paroby and husband Stephen, Jr., of Old Forge, and Joseph Schifano and Kelly O’Connor of New Milford; her beloved grandson, Jacob Paroby; her sisters, Mary Ann Toole and husband Patrick of Westport, CT., and Marie Mazzoni and husband Richard of Coral Springs, Florida; her sister-in-law, Josie Capitano of Pittston; her brother-in-law, John Schifano and wife Lina of Trucksville; and nieces and nephews.
Her family would like to offer their sincerest appreciation to the entire staffs of both Hospice of the Sacred Heart and Americare. The family would especially like to thank Johanna’s caregiver, Kelly Mawson, for the amazing care, devotion, and love she gave to both Johanna and her family .Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday to begin at 9:15AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Prince of Peace Parish, 123 West Grace Street in Old Forge, to be celebrated by Rev. August A. Ricciardi, Pastor. Interment will follow at Old Forge Cemetery. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday between 5-8:00PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Johanna’s name to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike # 3A, Short Hills, New Jersey, 07078.