Obituaries

Robert “Hicky” McDonnell, age 83 and a lifelong resident of Scranton, died Wednesday at Regional Hospital of Scranton, after an illness. He is survived by his loving wife, Elsa Peruzzi McDonnell. The couple celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on December 17th.
Born on November 25, 1934 and son of the late James W. and Elizabeth Ratchford McDonnell, Hicky was a graduate of West Scranton High School, Class of 1953. He proudly served in the Military Police of the United States Army before his Honorable Discharge in 1963. After 45 years of dedicated work, he retired from Trane Company as a consultant, draftsman and engineer. Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Parish in West Scranton.
Hicky adored his sports and was a devoted fan of both the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as well as the Boston Redsox. An animal lover, he is survived by his beloved granddogs. He was a novice meteorologist who was always ready with an updated weather report. 68 degrees with a northwest wind? Of course the perfect weather. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and spending time together was most important to him. His humor, never to be forgotten, was still on display even in his final days. He passed away at peace, surrounded by his family, exactly how he’d like it. Looking down upon his loved ones with his cigar lit and Miller Lite in-hand, he’ll be forever missed by all of his family and friends.
He is survived by his loving daughters, Elizabeth Scanlon and husband Bernard and Christine DiBileo and husband Gary, all of Scranton, and Marie Kodish and husband Ed of Nicholson; his adored grandchildren, Alexandra Kitei and husband Paul, Jacqui Kodish and fiance Matt Solfanelli, Timothy Scanlon, Austin Kodish, Isabella DiBileo, Gary DiBileo, Jr., Sophia DiBileo and Robert DiBileo; sisters, Betty Ann Banick of Somerville, N.J., and Maureen Major of Garfield Heights, Ohio; and nieces and nephews.
His brother, James P. McDonnell, also preceded him in death.
His family would like to sincerely thank the amazing staff of Regional Hospital’s 9-East as well as longtime physician, Anees Fogley, for their collective care, compassion and kindness to both Hicky and his family throughout his sickness.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Monday at 9:00AM from the Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street in West Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, Pastor. Interment with full military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Sunday between 2-5:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick’s Parish, 1403 Jackson St., Scranton, Pa., 18504.