Gerard J. Distasio

Gerard J. Distasio, age 73, of Sweet Valley, died Saturday, June 25, 2005, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Mr. Distasio was born in Nanticoke, February 29, 1932, and was the son of the late C. Joseph and Emma Gregorio Distasio. He has resided in Sweet Valley for the last 25 years.
He graduated from Hughestown High School and was employed by Kintner Trucking, Tunkhannock; Matlock Trucking, Woodbridge, N.J.; and then was an independent truck driver, retiring 28 years ago.
Mr. Distasio was a past president of the Center Moreland Lions Club and the Musicians Union, having played in numerous area country and western bands.
He was preceded in death by sons; infant Joseph and John.
He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, the former Patricia (Bogdon) Bagdziunas; children from a previous marriage: Gerald, Joseph, Andrew, Michael and Theodore and Norma Excel; brother; Joseph, Coplay, Pa.: sisters; Virginia Graham, Walnutport, and Antoinette Hall, Pittston; uncle, Anthony Gregorio, West Pittston; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He especially loved and was especially loved by Dorothy Reese and her husband, Robert, of Barnegat, N.J., and their children, and his grandchildren, Joseph, Tamilynn and Robert, all serving in the U.S. Air Force.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 & 118, Pikes Creek, with the Rev. Timothy V. Cappucci, pastor of the Community Bible Church of Sweet Valley, officiating.
Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Pikes Creek.
Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. today.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the American Heart Association, 71 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, the American Diabetes Association, 63 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 or the charity of the donor’s choice.
He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Patricia, family and friends and those children that brought a unique joy to his life.
As a guitar player, he had a special love for music. After years of illness, he is finally at peace.