James R. Pugliese

James R. Pugliese, 90, of Scranton, died on Friday afternoon at Geisinger Community Medical Center. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Shirley Young Pugliese.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Lucio and Mary Foley Pugliese. Jim will be remembered for his hard work that began in his childhood, for being a student who excelled at mathematics, and an athlete who loved speed skating. After graduating from Scranton Central High School in 1948, Jim served in the United States Air Force. After an honorable discharge, he married Shirley and began his own business, Pugliese Provisions, a successful distributor of fine Italian food products for more than 40 years. Jim was a rather dapper gentleman, rarely seen without wearing a suit and hat, and he faithfully accompanied his family to church every Sunday. James will be remembered for being a dedicated and loving husband and father. Every summer, his family looked forward to having him drive the big Oldsmobile to the Jersey shore for a wonderful vacation.

After retiring, Jim underwent a surgery that left him struggling to walk, and he became a resident of the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, where he lived for more than 10 years. While there, Jim proudly served his fellow veterans as the resident representative. Jim will be remembered for enriching our lives. Jim will be remembered with love, and he will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Susan Crane and husband, Robert, Scranton; and a son, James and wife, Jennifer, Scranton; eight grandchildren, Sarah Crane, Matthew Crane, Megan Walsh May, John Walsh, Joseph Walsh, Morgan Pugliese Price, James Pugliese and Faith Pugliese; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy Pugliese Walsh; an infant brother, Lucio; a sister, Gloria Pugliese Burke; and a grandson, Griffin Walsh.

Due to the current pandemic, private funeral services and burial will be conducted at the convenience of the family. Interment, Forest Hill Cemetery, Dunmore. A celebration of Jim's life will be held in the near future, when health conditions prove safe.

Arrangements entrusted to the Frank M. Regan Funeral Home, 715 Linden St., Scranton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.