Feb. 8, 2013
Michael A. Struzzeri, 61, of Pittston, son of the late Reginald and Mary Struzzeri, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, surrounded by his loving family and friends, at Geisinger South Hospice in Wilkes-Barre after a long, valiant battle with a rare blood disease.
Michael was an alumnus of Milton Hershey School for Boys, class of 1970. He completed the Culinary Arts Program at Luzerne County Community College, became a certified executive chef and was a member of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chefs' Association. He also taught a soups and sauces course at Luzerne County Community College. He shared his culinary talents at area restaurants and was proprietor and chef at Center Street Café in Pittston. He also was a valued employee at Benco Dental.
In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter, Amanda Rose; and his brother, Simon.
He was a loving husband to his wife, Virginia, and devoted father to his stepson, James J. Roxby, and James' son, James White. Michael also is survived by his brothers, Reginald and Phillip; sister, Delores Lemardy; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and two great-great-nieces.
Michael's family wishes to thank Medical Oncology Associates for their love and support during his eight-year battle with an incurable disease.
A memorial service will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Corpus Christie Parish (formally Immaculate Conception Church), 605 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Michael's life at noon before the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, Michael's wishes were to have donations made to Medical Oncology Associates of Kingston for its fund to assist cancer patients in need: Call 570-288-7231.
Arrangements are by Kizis-Lokuta Funeral Home, 134 Church St., Pittston.
