James P. Morio, 88, passed away quietly after a lingering illness on Friday at the V.A. Hospice Unit in Wilkes-Barre.
He was born in Wilkes-Barre on March 19, 1925 to the late Helen and James Morio. He was the last surviving male member of his family, having lost six brothers and two sisters earlier.
He has one surviving sister, Dorothy Ragukas married to Robert of Larksville. He leaves a son, Gene and wife Carol of Hershey; three grandchildren, Jason and family, Austin, Texas; Bradley, Hummelstown, and Kristi Leiss, wife of P.J., Middletown. He has seven great grandchildren; a loyal companion, Marlne Bentell; many nieces and nephews; and the family dog, Tucker.
James attended G.A.R. High school, and was self taught via the University of Life in most trades. Following the Agnes flood, he single-handedly rebuilt his home. He worked many years in the mining industry and as a textile printer. Besides his family, Jim's passion was his service and dedication to the veterans of the Armed Forces. He served in many capacities at the V.A., volunteering for more than 40 years while also serving in many positions with local DAV, VFW and American Legion organizations. In recognition he received the Call to Service Award from President George Bush for his countless hours of service. He served as Kingston Democratic Party Committeeman for many years.
An unassuming and quiet man, nevertheless he served his country in World War II with the 82nd Airborne Division. He earned the Purple Heart Medal after the glider plane he was in crash landed in France. After losing his medal to Hurricane Agnes, through the auspices of the Friends of the Forgotten, he was awarded a replacement in a ceremony at the V.A. in 2010.
A lifelong baseball fan, he coached in the 50s and 60s in the Kingston Little League, and was proud to have been an influence in the lives of his players.
His family would like to give thanks to these fine institutions who gave him thou ghtful and compassionate care in his final days: Golden Living Center, East Mountain; Geisinger Hospital Heart Center; and especially the V.A. Hospice Wing of Wilkes-Barre.
Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Kopicki Funeral Home, 263 Zerby Ave., Kingston, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. in St. Andrew's Parish, Parrish Street, Wilkes-Barre. Entombment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial con ributions may be made to your local humane society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
So very sorry! Blessing to you and your family.
Tammy Morio-Hale
August 6, 2013
Gene,
Very sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Bob Pries
August 5, 2013
Sabrina Morio-Hale
August 5, 2013
Gene,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of uncle jimmy. Just know that my sister and I will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I am so glad we were able to spend quality time with uncle jimmy when my sister and I along with a couple of our kids came to visit. I know he will be truely missed but is in a better place now and remember you now have a gaurdian angle watching out not just one but many.
Sabrina Morio-Hale
August 5, 2013
the world lost a great man but heaven just gained a great soul love u uncle jim RIP
alicia morio
August 4, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss and I apologize for not being able to come and say my goodbyes to him in person so can you please give me a kiss for me and tell him the rest in peace because even though his body might not be here with us his legacy will go on I love you Uncle Jimmy
Donna morio
August 4, 2013
Gene,
Sorry to read of your Father's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin Boylan
August 4, 2013
I remember playing little league for the Cleveland Indians that your father coached. We all had great experiences. May God rest his soul.
Martin Kotinsley
August 4, 2013
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