Obituaries

Rose Elizabeth (Zelonis) Cuscela, age 95,of Old Forge’s Bushpatch section, passed away at home early Wednesday, with her son at her side; after a short non-COVID recent illness. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Daniel A. Cuscela, 2 years earlier.
She was a breech birth; born in her own home, in Old Forge on August 3, 1927, the daughter of John and Sophie Zelonis.
Rose was a top graduate of Old Forge High School in 1944. She then began nursing school and proudly volunteered in the Nurses Corps till the end of the WWII.
After completing nursing school, Rose was the only student accepted in the Anesthesia program at Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, back then, using open drop ether.
She was involved in pioneer cases as the anesthesia nurse. She then returned to Old Forge; as Staff member of the Anesthesia Departments at the Scranton State Hospital, Mercy and Moses Taylor Hospitals for over thirty years.
Of Roman Catholic faith, she was a longtime member of St. Michael’s Church in Old Forge, prior to its closure, and more recently, Prince of Peace Parish.
Rose enjoyed her family, travel, and gardening. She will forever be loved by her family and friends.
All her sisters and brothers proceed her in death.
She is survived by her dear family, son, Dr. Daniel O. Cuscela of Old Forge and granddaughter, Gianna Cuscela of Fort Collins, Co.; daughter, Liz Cuscela Theall and husband Michael of Lafayette, La., a grandson, Torrey Frank Theall of Dallas, Texas and a granddaughter, Mariena Dearman and husband Ryan of Eugene, Oregon with newborn daughter Kinley.
Her family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Kenneth Sebastianelli for all the years of tremendous care he gave to Rose and her husband Daniel A. Cuscela.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Prince of Peace Parish, Old Forge to be celebrated by Rev. August A. Ricciardi, Pastor. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Old Forge.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until Mass.
Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.