This past weekend the world gained a beautiful angel. Constance Marie Talarico (more lovingly referred to as “Connie” or “Nana T” by all) passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Saturday April 10th after her courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Her loving husband of 50 years, Thomas L. Talarico, held her hand until the end.
Born on May 21, 1948, in Scranton, Connie was the daughter of the late Belle Walker and Theodore Rice. Connie was a graduate of Central High School. She worked as a supervisor at Price Chopper in Dunmore, but anyone who knew her knew that this wasn’t merely a job-it was a home away from home where she spent time with her Price Chopper family. As she was fighting, she would often be heard saying “I just need to get back to work and see my customers.”
Connie will be remembered for her contagious laughter, her never-ending strength and work ethic, and most importantly for the love she always shared with others. Anyone who ever met her instantly felt like they had been her family for their entire life. She loved conversing with customers, spending time with her family, singing the wrong words to her favorite country songs, and boasting about her beautiful granddaughters. Connie made sure that whether you knew her for a minute or a lifetime, you held a special place in her heart. Each and every person who had the pleasure of knowing her will always carry her love with them in their hearts.
She is survived by two sons-Thomas Talarico and wife Claire and his daughters Meghan Meckwood and Isabel Rose; and Jeffrey Talarico and his daughter Jessica. She was the sister of Bette Jean Roney, Ann Decker, Valerie Perry, Tracy and wife Barbara, David and Frank and was preceded by Joseph and Marvin Rice (survived by wife Carol).
The family would like to extend love and gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Geisinger Community Medical Center, especially Dr. Charles Proctor who made certain that Connie’s loved ones were able to be by her side during her departure.
A Mass will be held at Saint Patrick’s Church in Scranton at 10am on Thursday, April 15 for her loved ones to find peace with this great loss.
There will not be a viewing or a funeral held, in accordance with Connie’s wishes.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, etc. the family requests that anyone feeling called to do so make a donation to any foundation closest to their hearts, as Connie always preferred to give than to receive.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vanston and James Funeral Home and under the care and direction of Robert C. Jones, funeral director.
To share a memory or to express your condolences to the family please visit vanstonandjames.com.
Vanessa Silla
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. She was a phenomenal woman and will not be forgotten.
Patricia Mazzoni
So sad to see Connie’s obituary this morning. I became friends with her while doing my shopping at Price Chopper. Felt like we were lifetime friends because that’s how she made u feel. We always had a laugh about something, truly a special person. My sincere sympathy to her family may she now be at peace in the arms of our Lord.
Kelly Gerrity
Connie was a beautiful soul. I am sending my deepest condolences to her family.
Deborah Cravath
I first met Connie when she worked at Price Chopper on Keyser Ave. I really did not know her then but I always noticed her smile and how she seemed to be so busy. She knew what she was doing. I was pushing my little ones in the grocery cart then and little did I know that 4 of my kids would one day be working with Connie in Dunmore. That’s when we got to talking whenever I would shop. I looked for her to always put a smile on my face when I was in Dunmore. I just saw Connie recently at the store and we talked and hugged. She always remembered by girls and we all loved her so much. Yes the world and heaven gained a very special angel but I will never be able to go to Price Chopper again without tears. Connie I’m going to miss you so much and thank you for being so very very special. Love you…. Debbie
Maureen and Meghan Cravath
Connie was like a “work mother” to us at Price Chopper through our high school and college years. It is stated perfectly and truthfully above, “Connie made sure that whether you knew her for a minute or a lifetime, you held a special place in her heart.” That is how and who she was. As the years went on after leaving Price Chopper, whenever our Mom or we would see her, she genuinely asked how we were— with a warm hug. She cared deeply and her kindness radiated to everyone she encountered. It is rare to find someone as special as Connie was.
To us, it has been a blessing to know her. She will be missed.
Margaret SIMERSON & family
I’m so sorry for your loss our hearts and prayers go out to you all, Connie will be missed by so many people whos heart she touch Forever in our hearts RIP!
Jennifer Rice Quiggle
My sweet Aunt Connie. I am going to miss you. I will always remember days spent at your and Uncle Tom’s house and the boys, Dan and I walking over the bridge for Italian ice. I have not seen you in many years due to my location but you have never been far from my thoughts and always in my heart. I will miss you and love you always, Jenn
Charlene Korman and family
So sorry for your loss Connie was a beautiful person, we enjoyed working with her.
Cathy Berardelli
I loved Connie, I worked with Connie years ago. We never forgot one another.❤ I’m so sorry for your loss.
Ronald Scallan
Tally im sorry for you and your familys loss.From your Airforce buddy.Ron Scallan.
Peg Nelson
We send our deepest sympathy, Connie was the most dedicated and caring person when it came to the job she loved so much. She will be surely be missed by all who knew her Rest In Peace sweet lady
Dana Thiel
😔AWEE I ALWAYS LOVED Connie im so sad to here she is gone Another Angel added to Heaven God love her she was great. RIP Connie And God bless you in heaven and God bless your family in this terrible sad time.Love you and will miss you.✝️💔💞🙏
Michele Walsh
Connie will be missed deeply. Her caring heart touched so many.
Rest peacefully my friend,
Until we meet again
🌹🌹🙏🏼🙏🏼🌹🌹
David and Angela Wiltz
Sorry for your loss. I worked with Connie at the old Laurel Hill Nursing Home. She was a wonderful person. I was so happy when my Husband and I met her again at the Price Chopper. She always had a wonderful smile and was a good person. She will be missed by the both of us.
JoAnn Martarano-Rabel
Deepest condolences to Connie’s family .
I knew connie from shopping at price chopper. She was the sweetest, kindness, and most loving person . We shared wonderful conversations at the checkout . I would purposely go to her line just to talk to her . I always left with a smile. I was so sad to hear of her passing. She is definitely with our lord .
Pat (Smith/Talarico) Zraidi
My heartfelt condolences to all of the Talarico family on the loss their wife, mother, grandmother. Seems that she was a wonderful, beautiful soul. Hugs to you all.