Obituaries

Rose A. (Sgobba) Reese, a lifelong resident of Scranton, passed away Friday shortly after admittance into Allied Hospice. She was 95 years young.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Philip “Jiggsy” Reese, and her identical twin sons, Thomas Philip Reese and Donald John Reese.
Born on July 13, 1927 and raised in South Scranton, Rose was the daughter of the late Anthony and Anna (Campanella) Sgobba.
She possessed a tireless work ethic stretching a lifetime. She worked at Williams Bakery and A&P Bakery before beginning a career with Haddon Craftsmen which stretched for decades prior to her well-deserved retirement.
Living the epitome of a full life, Rose was still driving until only a few years ago. Independent and always on the go, she spent 35 years as a snow bird at Ormond Beach, Florida, where she made everlasting friendships with the others also spending their winters in Daytona. She loved Penn State Nittany Lion football and Philadelphia Phillies baseball, and as one of the casino’s most loyal slot machine players, the Mohegan Sun Casino is also in mourning.
Known as “Grandma Rose” to everyone, she was adored by all who knew her, both family and friends. She told amazing stories, loved holiday dinners with her family and will long be remembered for being so kind-hearted. She was the first person in line to help another in need and she’ll be dearly missed forever.
She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Sparacino of Scranton; three grandchildren, Carrie Durkin and husband Brian of Clarks Summit, Robert Sparacino, Jr. and wife Joanne, and Jacqueline (Jackie) Sparacino of Scranton; two great grandsons who adored their “Noni”, Noah and Chase Durkin; daughters-in-law, Susan Reese of Peckville and Carol Reese of Scranton; and many nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her two younger sisters, Mary Pritchyk and Louisa Sgobba.
Rose’s family would like to acknowledge and thank the amazing staffs of Clarks Summit Senior Living; Traditional Hospice; and Lehigh Valley Hospital for the collective care, compassion and kindness shown to both Rose and her family throughout her illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial is Scheduled for Monday at 11 AM in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Oram Street, Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, pastor. Interment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects at the church on Monday from 10 AM until Mass. Those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rose’s name to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter c/o 967 Griffin Pond Rd, South Abington Township, PA 18411.
Arrangements are under the care of the being handled by Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton.