Obituaries

John A. Rettura, age 69, a lifelong West Scranton resident, passed away on Friday morning at Regional Hospital of Scranton. Always looking at the bright side of life, John would have had it no other way but to have his family, dearest friends, students and all of those who adored him to now celebrate his life.
On April 22, 1951, John was born to parents, the late Giovanni and Jeanette (Martelli) Rettura. He was a 1970 grduate of West Scranton High School before earning a Bachelors Degree in English from the University of Scranton, Class of 1975. He furthered his studies at Cornell University – SUNY with a Masters Degree in English in 1978.
His career in education spanned decades as a professor at several local colleges and universities. Beloved by his students, John’s genuiness was blatant through his humor, kindness and humility.
A true renaissance man, John had countless hobbies and infinite talents. Always interested in the arts, he was wealth of knowledge of opera, a guitar player, an artist and painter, and even formerly served as set design producer for Diva Production Co. at The Old Bricke Theatre in Scranton.
A legendary player on the bocce court, he was a tournament and league champion fixture for countless years. He also served as the past president and director of the Lackawanna County Bocce Association.
Always proud of his Italian heritage, he enjoyed cooking and wouldn’t let you leave his presence without the offer of a glass of wine and cigar. He was an active member of Sons of Italy, UNICO – Keystone Chapter, Victor Alfieri Club and the Pittston “Old Timers”. A past president of the PSEA Union, no one fought harder for the rights of its members.
A loyal friend and adoring husband, father, nonno and brother, John certainly made an impact on all who knew him. Raise your glass and toast to a life well lived. He’ll forever be missed.
On May 5, 2018, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Margaret (Morahan) Rettura, who he was married to for 43 years.
Above all came his family. Surviving are his three loving children, Elizabeth Kosarev and husband Konstantin, Sarah Evans and husband Andrew (Andy) and John Anthony Rettura and wife Kaitlyn, all of Scranton; his three grandchildren whom he may have loved more than his children, Julia and Nikolai Kosarev and Andrew Evans; his brother, Joseph Rettura and wife Darla of Scranton; his sisiters-in-law and brother-in-law, Maureen Morahan of Lancaster, Mary Morahan of Norristown and William (Billy) Morahan and wife Peggy of Lake Ariel; and nieces, nephews, cousins and the most loyal friends, whom John considered extended family.
Through his illness, his caregivers went above and beyond to see to his care. His family wishes to acknowledge Dr. Charles Deck and his staff; Dr. Thomas Roe and his P.A., Debbie of Great Valley Cardiology; Dr. Henry Yeager and DaVita Dialysis of Dunmore; Drs. John Kutz and Jennifer Dempsey of Regional Hospital, along with the hospital’s wound care nurses.
John’s life will be fully celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM in the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton. Burial will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery in West Scranton.
Family and friends are also welcome to say their goodbyes on Tuesday between 4-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (ref: Jeanette Rettura) c/o 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
A celebration of the life of John A. Rettura, age 69 and a lifelong West Scranton resident who passed away February 5th, has been scheduled for August 6th at 6:00 PM at Arcaro and Genell Restaurant, 443 South Main Street in Old Forge. Please join his family as they “always look on the bright side of life.”