Americo “Frank” and Patricia Rafalko Piccolino passed away Sunday and Saturday respectively in the Geisinger Community Medical Center after both fighting valiantly against an illness. The couple had been married for 52 years.
Americo was born December 22, 1943 in Ausonia, Forsinone, Italy and was the son of the late Giovanni and Lucia Ambroselli Piccolino. His brother is Mario Piccolino. Americo and his brothers started their family business, Buona Pizza, a staple of the Downtown Scranton Community.
Patricia was born May 22, 1949 in Scranton and she was the daughter of the late Jean and Francis Rafalko. Her siblings are Rosie Petraskol and Deb Scopelitti and husband John. Prior to her retirement she had been employed by the Gold Star and Mayflower Companies but the job she loved and cherished most was caring for her family.
When Americo immigrated to the United States from Italy he met his beautiful wife. Family was always very important to them. Their grandchildren brought them much joy and were the center of their world. They did everything for them. They instilled in their children the importance of faith, hard work, and family.
The couple is survived by their loving and adoring family including sons Giovanni and Michael and his wife Michele; daughter Maria; beloved grandchildren Chase, Sienna, Mia and Maci; nieces and nephews.
They were also preceded in death by Americo’s brothers Archangelo, Guido and Antonio Piccolino and Patricia’s sister Jean Staritz and brother Benjamin Rafalko.
All attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the church.
Due to the Covid19 pandemic all are asked to wear masks.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for the Piccolino’s Tuesday at 9:30am in St Peter’s Cathedral 315 Wyoming Ave. Scranton by Msgr. Joseph G. Quinn.
Friends may all Monday from 4-7pm in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton.
Interment is private at the convenience of the family in Americo’s hometown of Ausonia, Forsinone, Italy
In keeping Americo and Patricia’s love of family alive the family reminds us all that most importantly, “we should end your day with telling your parents and loved ones how much you love them.”
The Bernardi Family
Our Prayers And Our Deepest Sympathy To The Family! Randy And I “Steven” Are Very Sorry For Your Loss! We Will Continue To Send Our Prayers And Our Thoughts!!!
Susan Cadora Cook
Americo was a amazing man when I was a child 12 years old I ran away from home he gave me a place to stay and fed me and let me clean tables and serve his costumers he was a angel I would not be here today if he didn’t take me in like his own daughter he loved his family and friends very much he always put everyone ahead of himself especially his family and those whom he treated like family I am so sorry for your loss may all your memories be precious and stay in your hearts forever cherish all the memories and smiles we all shared with him he will live forever in our hearts
D. Amendola
Buona Pizza and the downtown will never be the same without our beloved “Cartobalotta.” Riposate in pace. Pace di Dio alla famiglia.