Obituaries

The world lost a beautiful person on Friday, March 4th. Ruth (Russell) Stassi, age 69, a lifelong resident of Old Forge, passed away on Friday at Regional Hospital of Scranton, after a battle with heart disease. She is survived by her husband and best friend, Louis Stassi. The couple would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on March 30th.
Born on April 6, 1952 and raised in Old Forge, Ruth was the daughter of the late William and Hannah (Williams) Russell. A graduate of Old Forge High School, Class of 1970, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree of Education from Bloomsburg University.
She briefly taught kindergarten class for the Old Forge School District before raising her beloved son, John. In her earlier years, she also worked for the offices of congressmen, Jim Wansacz and Sid Michaels Kavulich. She had a strong faith, regularly worshiping at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Taylor.
Her smile brought warmth and comfort to everyone she knew. Ruth was intensely and selflessly devoted to her family, including tending to the needs of her son whom she absolutely adored.
Ruth and John were fixtures at the Dollar Store; she also loved going out to dinners with Louis; she enjoyed her card club, playing poker with the girls for over 40 years; and she cherished her end-of-day chats with her longtime forever friend, Josephine Pricci.
Along with her dear husband, Ruth is also survived by her beloved son whom she’ll continue to look after from above, John Stassi, of Old Forge; her loving sister-in-law, Mary Ann Stassi of Old Forge; her aunt, Marguerite Avvisato of Old Forge; and cousins.
She was also preceded in death by aunts and uncles, including her special uncle, Ted Russell.
Her family wishes to thank both Dr. Ken Sebastianelli and his office staff for their years of kindness, compassion and care. Also, her family would like to acknowledge Ruth’s amazing family and friends for their devotion to her well-being.
Blessing services by Rev. Ginger Daubenhauser, Pastor of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, are scheduled for Tuesday at 10:00 AM in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge. Burial will follow at Old Forge Cemetery.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ruth’s name to the First Congregational United Church of Christ c/o 130 Union St., Taylor Pa. 18517.