Obituaries

Rita “Vita” (Clemente) Sparacino, age 94, of Taylor, passed away Monday at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, after an illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Joseph N. Sparacino, Sr., on May 18, 2001.
Born on December 16, 1927 and raised in West Scranton, Vita was daughter of the late Isaia and Rose (Villani) Clemente. She attended West Scranton High School before marriage, and raised her seven children. Along with her husband, she co-owned the Joseph Sparacino Moving and Rigging Co. in Taylor.
An active member of the Taylor Senior Citizens, she was also a devoted Roman Catholic who was a longtime member of St. Lucy’s Church in West Scranton. Her legacy left in the hands of three generations, she leaves behind, her kindness and selflessness which will never be forgotten.
She is survived by her daughters, Ann Kurilla of Scranton, Carole Triano and husband Joseph of Scranton, Patricia Wylam and husband Donald of Old Forge, Rita Van Fleet of Old Forge and Maria Gentilezza of Scranton; 22 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; a great great granddaughter; a sister, Adeline Frank of FL.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her sons, Robert and Joseph N. Sparacino, Jr. along with siblings, John and Andrew Clemente and Natalie Delfino, also preceded her in death.
Her family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Eric Smith for his years of genuine care and compassion.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday at 11:00 AM at St. Lucy’s Church, 949 Scranton St, West Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Sam J. Ferretti, Pastor. Burial will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery.
Family and friends may pay their respects at the church on Friday from 9:30 AM until Mass time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rita’s name to St. Lucy’s Church c/o 949 Scranton St, Scranton, Pa. 18504, and Mother Cabrini Shrine c/o 701 Fort Washington Ave., New York, N.Y. 10040.
Arrangements are under the care of the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.