Joseph J. Severini

Joseph J. Severini of Scranton went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday morning at Geisinger CMC in Scranton following an illness. His wife of 47 years is the former Louise Genovese.

Born April 1, 1931, in Scranton, Pa., he was the son of the late Alfredo and Ausilia (Antonini) Severini. Joseph was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a 1958 graduate of the University of Scranton, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management. Joseph also pursued post- graduate studies at the University of Virginia.

Joseph was a beloved husband, loving father and proud grandfather. The joys of his life were his children and his granddaughter, Ceilia. He loved God, his family, his country and his Italian heritage. He enjoyed visiting with his many friends at various locations in the area. Joseph was a true gentleman who made friends easily and everyone loved him. His smile lit up a room. Joseph also had a special place in his heart for the dogs he had throughout his life, Beauty, Killian, Shannie, and he leaves behind his beloved canine companion, Amy.

Joseph enjoyed a 33-year career in banking with Northeastern/PNC Bank, retiring as a Group Vice President in 1992. He was member of Elm Park United Methodist Church, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the Armed Forces Day Committee, the United Nations Committee, the Mid Valley Rotary Club, the Scranton Kiwanis Club and the Downtown Scranton Business Association. He served on many boards throughout the area, including the American Heart Association, Easter Seals, Meals on Wheels of Lackawanna County, United Cerebral Palsy and the Economic Development Council. He also served as president of the Scranton Neighborhood Housing Association and was a recipient of the Frank O'Hara Award given by the University of Scranton.

Joseph's family would like to thank the Moses Taylor DaVita Dialysis unit, the Geisinger CMC physicians, nurses and staff, and the many home health professionals who lovingly cared for him.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Jennifer L. Severini-Kresock and husband, Christopher, of Clarks Summit, Pa.; and Faith J. Severini of Clarks Summit, Pa.; a granddaughter, Ceilia Severini; a sister-in-law, Angela Genovese of Dunmore, Pa.; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Ann Genovese of Dunmore, Pa.; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gray Bossi.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Elm Park United Methodist Church, Jefferson Avenue and Linden Street, Scranton, Pa., with the Rev. Howard Woodruff, pastor, as officiating clergy.

Friends may call Friday, 9 to 11 a.m., at the church. Interment with military honors, Dunmore Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elm Park United Methodist Church, 712 Linden St., Scranton, PA 18510; or Pennsylvanians for Human Life, Scranton Chapter, 506 Broadway, Scranton, PA 18505.

Arrangements by the Howard J. Snowdon Funeral Home of Scranton, Pa. For online condolences, please visit www.duffyandsnowdon.com