Obituaries

Joseph Francis Salerno, Sr., 100 years young and a lifetime Old Forge resident, passed away Friday at Regional Hospital of Scranton. His beloved wife of 76 remarkable years, Lucy Festino Salerno, died January 6th at the age of 96.
Born on July 21, 1918, and son of the late Vito and Rose Tedesco Salerno, Joseph was a graduate of Old Forge High School, Class of 1937, before serving in the U.S. Army during WWII. He earned rank of sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1946 after receiving the American Theater Ribbon and the Good Conduct and WWII Victory medals. For nearly 40 years, he worked as an armature winder and motor repairman for Superior Generator and Armature Co. in Scranton. 
Well beyond his retirement, he served as a fix-it–all repairman for everyone from local businesses to neighbors until his retirement from “Joe’s Fix It Shop” at the age of 94. He was a longtime fisherman who had countless memories of fishing with his son and son-in-law and while vacationing with his family in Canada. He always enjoyed a visit to the casino with his wife and as sports fan he rooted for the New York Yankees. He’ll be forever missed by his adoring family.
A lifelong member of Prince of Peace Parish in Old Forge, he was also a member of the church’s former Holy Name Society.
He is survived by his children, Joseph Salerno Jr. and wife, Patricia, Old Forge; and Vincentina (Tina) Haas and husband, Gary, Taylor; two grandchildren, Karen Mochan and husband, John, Old Forge; and Adrienne Gutierrez and husband, David, Windermere, Fla.; sisters, Rita and Ann Salerno, both of Old Forge; and nieces and nephews.
Also preceding him in death were a granddaughter, Kimberly Haas; and siblings, Mary Salerno, Sister M. Dolores, D.M. (Jennie), Celia Massini, Carmen, Patrick, Anthony, Alexander (Sandy) and Vincent Salerno, Sr., Rose Marie Danneker and Edward Salerno.
The family wishes to express its gratitude to Dr. Kenneth Sebastianelli and staff for the exceptional care he provided to Joseph over the years.
Funeral services will begin on Wednesday at 9:10AM with military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial and committal at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Prince of Peace Parish, to be celebrated by Rev. August Ricciardi, Pastor. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. 
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home.