Obituaries

Kathleen (Pelucacci) Tagliaferri, age 74, of Old Forge, passed away Wednesday morning at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore, after an illness.
Born on January 12, 1945, Kathleen was raised in the Tripps Park section of West Scranton. Daughter of the late John, Sr. and Diane Venturi Pelucacci., she was educated at West Scranton High School.
She then began a family, going on to raise her four adoring children. While working for Sibeo’s Restaurant in her early years, Kathleen learned to cook – a skill which would ultimately guide her career path. She had served as chef for numerous local restaurants including Brutico’s, Gilly’s and Marie’s Diner, where she worked prior to her retirement. She had also proudly owned and operated her own restaurant, Casa De Mama’s in North Scranton, as well as becoming a fixture at local festivals and picnics with her “Kathy’s Kitchen” stand. Her talents in the kitchen, both as a cook and a baker, were second to none. Her #1 ingredient was love.
Among the countless memories she leaves behind, her family will never forget holidays at Kathy’s house; her famous Italian cookies; and Sundays at the pool with family and friends. She was a longtime member of the Red Hat Society and her presence will be sorely missed at dinner parties with her beloved friends, “the dirt bags.” She possessed an amazing work ethic, love for family and inner strength. She will always be missed.
Of Roman Catholic faith, she was a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Old Forge.
She is survived by four loving children, Christine Murphy and husband Frank of Old Forge, James Tagliaferri and wife Maria of Old Forge, Michele O’Shea and husband Kevin of Minooka (Scranton) and Brenda Calpin and husband George of Minooka (Scranton); seven grandchildren, Amie Zoltewicz and husband Robert, Anthony Salerno and companion Cara DeSanto, Jimmy Tagliaferri and wife Marla, Michael Tagliaferri and fiance Ashley Shimko, Nicole Tagliaferri and companion A.J. Cantarella, Bralyn Tagliaferri and Kaley Calpin; three great grandchildre, Malaini, Farrah and Jett; a sister-in-law, Angela Pauline and husband art of Naples, Florida; and nieces and nephews. Two brothers, John, Jr. and Joseph Pelucacci, also preceded her in death.
Her family would like to acknowledge and thank the amazing staff of Sacred Heart Hospice, especially Shelly, for the extraordinary kindness, care and compasssion shown to both them and Kathleen throughout her stay.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Monday at 9:15AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, followed by a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, Prince of Peace Parish, 620 S. Main Street in Old Forge, to be celebrated by Rev. August A. Ricciardi, Pastor. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Sunday between 3-6:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kathleen’s name to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, c/o 967 Griffin Pond Rd, South Abington Township, PA 18411.