Joseph G. DeSanto, Throop, formerly of the Hill Section of Scranton, died Thursday afternoon at home following an illness. His wife is Elizabeth Bukavich Masaitis DeSanto. His first wife was the former Mary Vazquez who died in 1986.
Born 1931 in Scranton, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Mary P. Caterina DeSanto. He was a 1949 graduate of the Scranton Technical High School and also completed a course of study to become a pharmacist assistant. He was a lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Church Parish. Joe was an insurance agent with the John Hancock Insurance Company as well as operating DeSanto’s Pizza in Scranton. Prior to his retirement at the age of 72 he was employed by the Thomas Consumer Electronics. He was given many awards for never missing work. He was a United States Navy veteran and was also a longtime member of the United States Army Reserves.
He was a school crossing guard for the Scranton School District for over 10 years and a longtime volunteer at the Community Medical Center.
The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Traditional Home Health and Hospice for the dedicated and compassionate care given to Joe including Elizbeth and Pat as well as Jackie from Archangel and the DeSanto’s special friends Michelle, Patricia and Tom.
Also surviving are his children Deborah Godek and her husband Ray of Moscow, Richard DeSanto and his companion David Schaar of Wilkes Barre, Denice DeSanto of Scranton, Sandra Langan and her fiancé Frank Martino of Dickson City and Lisa Toscano and her companion Kenneth Garber of Scranton; thirteen grandchildren; four great grandchildren; step children Karen DeLuca and her husband Tony of Plymouth and Gary Masaitis and his companion Sherri Carter of Kingston; nieces, nephews, cousins.
He was also preceded in death by three brothers Ralph, Dominic and Robert; stepson Robert Masaitis.
All attending are invited to go directly to the church.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10am in the Immaculate Conception Church 801 Taylor Ave Scranton by Rev. Joseph Sica.
Friends may call Monday from 4-7pm in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton.
Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.
The family encourages memorial contributions to be made to Traditional Home Health and Hospice 113 W. Drinker St. Dunmore 18512.
For directions, to share a memory or to leave a condolence please visit www.vanstonandjames.com