Obituaries

Regina (Stefanowich) Rignanesi, age 94 and a lifelong resident of Old Forge, passed away Thursday at Allied Hospice in Scranton after a recent illness. On November 19, 1993, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, Francis (Frank) C. Rignanesi, Sr.
Born on June 21, 1927 and raised in Old Forge, Regina was the daughter of the late George and Josephine (Kowalcik) Stefanowich. A graduate of Old Forge High School, Class of 1945, Regina briefly resided in Newark, N.J. before returning home and working at Capitol Records Co.
Married in 1951 and while raising her family in the 1960’s, she and Frank operated Rignanesi’s Market located on Moosic Road in Old Forge. Later in life she had worked for Topps Chewing Gum Co. in Duryea.
Of Roman Catholic faith, she was a devoted member of the former St. Michael’s Church in Old Forge prior to its closure. More recently, she belonged to the Prince of Peace Parish.
If anyone led a full life it was certainly Regina. She loved her life and was always on the go. From extended stays in Poland visiting her family to family vacations to Disney World to the occasional cruise, she would never pass up an opportunity to travel. A die-hard Penn State fan, she had fond memories of annual family treks to PSU’s Blue-White Game. She considered the members of the Taylor Senior Center an extended family, forging close friendships she long treasured. Her hobbies included quilting, crocheting and bowling. She enjoyed the outings with her girlfriends but above all else she loved babysitting her grandchildren – they undoubtedly meant the world to her.
Regina’s memory will remain forever. She will be missed for just as long.
She is survived by her loving family, children Ray Rignanesi and wife Michelle and Diane Dolinish and husband Gene, all of Old Forge; a daughter-in-law, Brenda Rignanesi of Taylor; six grandchildren, Ryan Rignanesi and wife Jess, Stephen Rignanesi, Amy Dolinish, Robyn Rignanesi; David Rignanesi and partner Mariah Rogers; and Amber Dolinish; two great grandchildren, Finnegan and Elianna Rignanesi; and nieces and nephews.
A son, Francis “Frank” Rignanesi, Jr., a granddaughter, Hilary Duffy Rignanesi and a brother, Daniel Stefanowich, also preceded her in death.
Her children would like to acknowledge and thank the staffs of both Regional Hospital and Allied Hospice, and especially Regina’s loyal caregivers, Kristine, Sarah and Denise.
Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday to begin at 8:45 AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Prince of Peace Parish, Old Forge, to be celebrated by Rev. August A. Ricciardi, Pastor. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Family and friends my pay their respects on Monday between 4-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Regina’s name to the St. Joseph’s Center c/o 2010 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA 18509.