Obituaries

Rosemary (Cameli) Balkunas, a longtime resident of the Rendham section of Taylor, passed away Saturday evening at home surrounded by family, after an illness. She was 89 years old. On October 18, 2011, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Robert Balkunas.

Born on December 15, 1934, and raised in the Browntown section of Pittston, Rosemary was the daughter of the late Bernardo and Mary (Tavaloni) Cameli. A graduate of the former Pittston Twp. High School, she then went on to business school while working at her family’s business, Dell’s Deli, a staple in Pittston. The deli was special to both Rosemary and her family as just about every family member had worked at the family business throughout the years. Rosemary would develop her tremendous cooking talents as a youth and to no surprise, her Italian cooking was second to none.

She had a tireless work ethic as she not only raised six children which was her proudest accomplishment but also worked several jobs, including Schott Optical and Berkeley Book Publishers, prior to her well-deserved retirement. Her selflessness, generosity and kindness earned her the nickname “St. Rosie” by family and friends.

She was also a devoted Roman Catholic and a faithful member of Saint Ann’s Basilica Parish. Her deep faith gave her great comfort in knowing that her journey to heaven began upon her passing. She will be forever missed by all who loved her.

She is survived by her adoring children, Robert Balkunas, Jr. and Ilona of Deerfield Beach, Fl., Kenneth Balkunas of Memphis, Tn., Michael Balkunas and wife Nina of Mission Viejo, Ca., Theresa Balkunas and Gino of Old Forge, Lisa Kelly and husband Greg of Savannah, Ga., and Claudine Russo and husband Michael of Dalton; six grandchildren, Robert, III, Michael, Jr., Kenneth, Jr. and Sydney and Isabelle Balkunas and Giselle Russo; three great grandchildren, Robert, IV, Carter and Benton Balkunas; brothers, Bernard Cameli of Newfoundland, Canada, and Eugene Cameli and wife Marianne of Pittston Twp.; and many nieces and nephews.

Siblings, James, Sr. Cameli, George Cameli and Joseph Cameliand, Frances Dellario and Viola “Lola” Gross, also preceded her in death.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Basilica, West Scranton. Private interment, St. Rocco’s Cemetery, Pittston. Those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to church.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday between 5-7:00 PM at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rosemary’s name to either Saint Ann’s Basilica Parish c/o 1250 St. Ann St., Scranton, Pa. 18504 or to Hospice of the Sacred Heart c/o 30 E.D. Preate Drive, Suite 108. Moosic, PA 18507, with the family’s utmost gratitude for taking such amazing care of Rosemary throughout her final days. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.