Irene (Suhow) Grugnale, age 69, a two-year resident of Riverside Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Taylor, passed away Monday after a brief illness.
Born in Landshut, Germany, Irene was the daughter of the late Maria G. Gulla and the stepdaughter of Anthony S. Gulla, and daughter of Bennie Lee Hice. She moved to the United States at age 15 before graduating from Pocono Mountain High School. Initially a secretary at Tobyhanna Army Depot, she was once honored with the Keystone Press Award as the Best Typist in the State of Pennsylvania.
Through her marriage, she would travel the world as her husband worked for NASA. They eventually settled in Quito, Equador, where they opened the first known pizzeria in South America. They then purchased the the former U.S. Embassy and turned it into a bar and restaurant.
Irene lived life on her own terms. She looked forward to lunch and visits to Dunkin’ Donuts with her beloved sister, Tony. She had tremendous humor, a kind heart and was selfless in nature. Joining her beloved son, Ricky, in heaven, she will long be missed by family and friends.
She is survived by her son, Michael Grugnale and wife Jacqueline of Moosic; two granddaughters, Katelyn and Victoria Grugnale; three sisters, Tony Rollison and husband David of Springbrook Twp., Catherine Dunnigan of Mt. Pocono and Dolores “Dee” Winans and husband Joseph of Theodore, Alabama; and aunts, nieces, nephews and great nephews.
She was also preceded in death by a son, Richard Grugnale; and a sister, Betty Evans.
Her family would like to thank the amazing third floor staff of Riverside Center as well as Drs. Guy Fasciana and Matthew Berger for their years of collective support and care.
Blessing services by Rev. Chris Stark, Pastor of Rock Church Worship Center, followed by burial at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, will be private. Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.
Please visit the funeral home’s website to leave an online condolence.