Obituaries

Rosemarie (Esposito) Preate, a lifelong resident of Old Forge, earned her angel wings on Monday afternoon at her home surrounded by her children and loved ones. She was 90 years old. In 2010, she was preceded in death by her husband, Domenic B. Preate.
Born on February 24, 1932, daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Gentile) Esposito, Rosemarie was a graduate of Old Forge High School, Class of 1950. Upon marriage, she became the most loving, caring, and devoted wife and mother to her four children. A faithful Roman Catholic, she was a lifelong member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Prince of Peace Parish, where she also served as part of the church’s choir. As her children left the nest she worked at Topps, Inc., held various positions under the PA Senior Employment Program, and was herself a caregiver/companion to many seniors.
Curious by nature she was a voracious reader and consummate conversationalist to put it mildly. Engaging and friendly, she found the greatest joy being with her family and friends, especially her extended Esposito/Aversa relatives with whom she was raised. She was the past treasurer of the Victoria Social Club, and a proud Old Forge resident. She was a walking “town historian” having possessed an amazing memory of people, places, and events. A true connector, her ability to identify family ties for almost anyone she met was legendary. In turn, multiple generations of Old Forge (and beyond) residents became a type of extended family, frequently offering her rides, assistance, and conversation. No one could have a better time socializing at the supermarket and pharmacy than Rosemarie. An independent soul, she was a fixture on the Old Forge-to-Scranton COLTS bus line, happily befriending bus drivers and fellow travelers alike while “going to town” to work and to shop. She embodied the saying “there are no strangers, only friends we haven’t met.” Loved by all who knew her, she will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her loving family, including children, Andrea Preate-Regni of Collegeville, Donald M. Preate of New York, NY, Suzanne Preate and partner Marshawn Black of Syracuse, NY, and daughter-in-law, Mary Preate of Old Forge; five grandchildren, Giancarlo Regni and fiancé Rachel Karlins, Gabriella Regni and companion Paul LaBruna, Joey Preate, Adriane Reilly and husband Brendan, and Ginger Refice-Resciniti and husband Dan; two great grandchildren, Austin and Jameson Reilly; sisters-in-law, Claudia Esposito and Theresa Siegel, and many nieces and nephews dear to her heart. Rosemarie was preceded in death by her dear son, Joseph Preate, in 2018; and her four siblings, Joseph, Mary, Anthony, and John Esposito.
Her family would like to acknowledge and thank all who bestowed such care, compassion and love to Rosemarie before and throughout her brief illness: Compassionate Care Hospice, including dear friend, Carol Burti; The Gardens of Green Ridge; the Area Agency on Aging, Telespond Senior Services where Rosemarie enjoyed time spent with new friends and staff; Dr. Kathryn Sallavanti Kowalski; Dr. Lucian Bednarz; and loving caregivers, Renee Mastres, Marie Mondelice, and especially her faithful caregiver and “best friend”, Donna Sassi-Wartella, and her daughter, Nadine Halpin and many others. Rosemarie’s family will forever be indebted for their collective kindness.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday May 6th at 1:00 PM at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Prince of Peace Parish in Old Forge. Burial will follow at Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton. All are invited to pay their respects on Friday from 11:00 AM and attend her Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rosemarie’s name to either the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001, or to the Meals on Wheels of NEPA c/o 541 Wyoming Ave, Scranton, PA 18509. In her honor, please enjoy your next homemade Italian feast with loved ones or your next scoop of ice cream which she was never known to turn down!
Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 N. Main St. in Old Forge.