Obituary of Francisco Frank Ceccacci

Francisco "Frank" Ceccacci, 97, of West Scranton died peacefully on Sunday evening at Mercy Hospital after a short illness. Born February 7, l9l3 in the province of Perugia, Italy, he was the son of the late Enrico and Rose Menghini Ceccacci. At the age of fourteen months, he arrived at Ellis Island with his mother and then settled near Chicago while his father worked in the coal mines. He attended Chicago city schools and then moved to Scranton with his family in 1930. Frank spent much of his adult life employed at the Scranton Garment Manufacturing Company, where he began wbrking in 1936 and later retired in 1978. ln 1942 he served in the US Army during World War II and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1945. ln 1946 Frank married Marie Gatto who predeceased him in 1971. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law and uncle who had a strong faith in God. Frank recently traveled to Italy where he visited his cousin, traveled to his birthplace, and visited many cities in the country of his heritage. Two years ago, his children had a 95th birthday celebration for him at McDade Park. Well into is 90's, Frank made a wonderful pizza from scratch. He loved Italian music and Gospel hymns and one of his greatest joys was his vegetable and herb gardeno from which he gladly shared his fruits of labor with family, neighbors and friends. His flower garden was always colorful and his home grown raspberries very delicious. Frank was a member of Green Ridge Assembly of God Church, a past member of the Laurel Garden Club, and for the past three years a member of the Victor Alfieri Club where he was an avid bocce player. He attended Telespond Senior Services three times a week where he enjoyed the various activities, kind people, and staff. His favorite hobby was dining out with friends & family. He is survived by his children, Daniel Ceccacci, Scranton, Rosemary French, Freeville, NY, Frank (Butch) and wife, Diane Ceccacci, Verona, NJ, Patricia and husband, Brian Stroney, Dalton, PA, and four grandchildren, Laura and Patrick Ceccacci and Nicole and Matthew Stroney: Also a sister, Mary Ginnochetti, brother-in-law Thomas Gatto, sister-in-law Eleanor Gatto and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his wife, Frank was preceded in death by his brothers Frederick and Arthur and a sister, Elizabeth Pollock. He will forever be remembered by his family and friends as a loving, kind, considerate and gentle man who loved God. He took greatest pleasure in his children and grandchildren and was an inspiration to all who knew him. Frank's loving spirit will live in the hearts of all who knew him and he will be sorely missed by all. The funeral will be Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. from the Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St., Taylor followed by services at 10:00 a.m. at the Green Ridge Assembly of God Church, 825 Green Ridge St., Scranton, to be celebrated by the Reverend David Twiss, pastor. Interment will follow in Old Forge Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Read Francisco Ceccacci's Obituary and Guestbook on www.semiancares.com.