James J. Tartella, West Scranton, died Friday in the Regional Hospital of Scranton after an illness. His wife of 59 years is the former Eleanor Brown.
Born 1936 in Scranton, he was the son of the late Vincent and Mary Armitage Tartella. He was a 1955 graduate of West Scranton High School and also attended the Johnson Technical Institute. He was a dedicated member of the Jackson Street Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, a member of the choir and the Young at Heart Group. Jim retired in 1995 from Albert E. Peters & Associates where he worked for 28 years as a draftsman. In his retirement he went on to work for Pitney Bowes Management Services and the Community Medical Center as a distribution clerk. He served honorably in the United States Naval Reserve for 30 years retiring in 1986 as a EM2.
Jim enjoyed singing in his church choir and was always willing and able to be a helping hand to family and friends. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan.
Surviving are a daughter Patricia Murphy and her husband Patrick of Scranton; two sons Dr James Tartella of Scranton and Richard Tartella and his wife Suzi of Sacramento, CA; two grandsons Patrick Murphy, Jr and Daniel Murphy; two brothers Scott Walker of Scranton; Francis Tartella of Dunmore, and a sister-in-law Carol Tartella of Clarks Summit; several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by two brothers Col. US Army Retired John Tartella and Andrew Tartella.
All attending the services are asked to go directly to the church.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 10am in the Jackson Street Baptist Street Church 1206 Jackson Street, West Scranton by Rev. James Buchanan, pastor of the Berean Church.
Friends may call Thursday from 4-7pm in the Vanston and James Funeral Home, 1401 Ash St. Scranton.
Interment with military honors in Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Deacons Fund or Home Missions Fund of the Jackson Street Baptist Church 1206 Jackson St. Scranton 18504.
Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of Robert C. Jones, funeral director.
Barbara Lake
We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Tartella will be missed – his contribution to JSBC was monumental. Our prayers are with your family.