Obituaries

Rita (Flynn) Graziano, a guest at the Pines at Clarks Summit and a longtime Lake Winola resident, passed away Saturday evening after a recent illness. She was 98 years young.
On Oct. 21, 2005, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Caesar Graziano Jr.
Born on July 13, 1925, and daughter of the late William and Sara (Coyne) Flynn, Rita was raised in Old Forge where she was also a graduate of Old Forge High School’s class of 1944. After attending the former Lackawanna Business School and briefly working for General Electric, Rita began raising her family of four adored children. She later returned to work, ultimately retiring from the former Diane’s Fashion.
Rita lived an amazingly full life where she was active and always on the go. To meet her was to never forget her and to know her was to love her. She leaves behind countless memories with her family and extended family, ensuring her legacy will long live on.
Her Sunday dinners were plentiful, her Italian cooking was unmatched and her sewing talent was special. She was strong-willed, dedicated and gave 100% of herself toward any endeavor she took on. Her family and extended family meant everything to her and she’ll never be forgotten.
Rita was a faithful Roman Catholic and pillar of St. Mary of the Lake Church at Lake Winola. From a member of the former Altar and Rosary Society to the church choir, she was a dedicated volunteer for every church function. She had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and was an intricate part of the parish who will be dearly missed by all.
She is survived by her loving family, including her four children, Joseph Graziano and wife, Linda, Utah; Marguerite Cottingham and husband, Mark, Wisconsin; Rita Kocis and husband, Edward, Florida; and Lawrence Graziano and wife, Patty, of Covington Twp.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Rita was the last surviving of the 10 Flynn siblings.
Rita’s family would like to acknowledge and thank the entire community at the Pines for being a true extended family whom she adored along with Allied Hospice staff who provided both Rita and her family with comfort in her final days.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin Thursday at 9 a.m. from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Homes Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Lake, 1872 Dalton Road in Lake Winola, to be celebrated by Rev. Arbogaste Satoun, pastor. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Lake Winola.
Family and friends may pay their respects Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rita’s name to her church, c/o St. Mary of the Lake, 1872 Dalton Road in Lake Winola, PA 18625. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.