Obituaries

James Palutis, 76, a lifelong resident of West Scranton, died Saturday morning at home. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Lemoncelli Palutis.
Born on Nov. 2, 1941, James was the son of the late Peter J. and Jessica Michaels Palutis. He attended Scranton schools before joining the Navy Reserve. He retired after many years of honorable duty as a Scranton city firefighter and stayed active throughout retirement as a member of the retired firemen. Of great faith, he was a devoted member of St. Ann Maronite Church, West Scranton, faithfully attending daily Mass and belonging to its Holy Name Society. He prayed often to the Lord, Jesus Christ, and the Blessed Mother.
A sports fanatic, he loved the Boston Red Sox and the Dallas Cowboys. He had been a member of a fisherman’s club as he enjoyed fishing. He also greatly enjoyed traveling south to visit his sons. Passing away peacefully, he will be dearly missed by family and friends. He is also survived by his sons, Jamie Palutis and wife, Debbie, of Orlando, Fla.; Jeffrey Palutis, of Dallas, Texas; and Christopher Palutis and wife, Consuelo, of Kentucky; four grandchildren, Austin, Christian, Nicholas and Jojo (J.T.) Palutis; a sister-in-law, Jean Palutis, of Ransom Twp., loving cousins, including Lorraine Hazzouri, of Scranton; Dr. Ramon Deeb, of Allentown; and Edward Deeb, of Scranton; and his longtime companion, Tricia Romano Kornish, of Scranton. A brother, Peter A Palutis, also preceded him in death.
Funeral services will begin Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. from the Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton, with Divine Liturgy at 10 at St. Ann Maronite Church to be concelebrated by Monsignor Francis J. Marini, pastor, and Monsignor John Esseff, homilist. Private interment will follow in Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Visit the funeral home website for directions or to leave an online condolence.