Obituaries

Zita Dean Stone, born in Scranton on November 27, 1930, passed away Sunday at her home with her family by her side. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Thomas Joseph Stone, and an infant son Brendan.
Daughter of the late Margaret Murray Dean, and the late John Lawrence Dean, she was a 1948 graduate of Central High School. Prior to marriage, she was a draftsperson in the Engineering Department of the Bell Telephone Company. In 1958, she cofounded Stone Office Inc. with her husband, a business now run by her sons and currently celebrating its 60th anniversary. Later, she was employed in the Development Office of the University of Scranton where she was a member of the Pro Deo et Universitate. She retired from the University in 1999 after 25 years. Always involved in the activities of her children, she served as past officer in the Parents Organizations of Saint Patrick’s Elementary School, Scranton Prep and Bishop Hannan High School.
She was an early member of the Calligraphers Guild of Northeastern PA and in previous years was active in the Catholic Women’s Club and the Junior Century Club. An active parishioner of Saint Patrick’s Church, she was a member of the Society of the Faithful.
She is survived by her four loving children, T.J. and wife Sheila of Scranton, Chris and wife Joni of Clarks Summit, Jamie and wife Cathy, Chinchilla, and MaryZita Stone and husband Paul Lukis of Dickson City; ten adoring grandchildren, Nora Weber, Marla Jones, Kara Price, Rachel, Courtney, Suzie, Maggie, Molly, Thomas, and Matthew Stone and 6 great grandchildren of whom she was fortunate enough to make special memories with each one.
Her family would like to especially thank Dr. Glen Digwood and Traditional Home Health and Hospice.
Funeral services will begin on Thursday at 9:15 AM from the Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton with a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, Pastor. Interment will follow in the Cathedral Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday between 4-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in Zita’s name to St. Patrick’s Food Pantry c/o 1403 Jackson Street, Scranton, PA 18504.