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Senator Raphael J. Musto Obituary
PITTSTON TWP. — Senator Raphael J. Musto, 85, a lifelong resident of Pittston Township, passed away Thursday morning, April 24, 2014, at home. He and his wife, the love of his life, Frances Panzetta Musto, celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on April 6, 2014.
Ray was a son of the late Representative James Musto and Rose Frushon Musto. He was a graduate of Pittston Township High School, class of 1946, and King's College, class of 1971. He later received a Doctorate of Letters and degrees from both King's College and Wilkes University.
He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during the Korean War.
Musto began his legislative career in 1971, elected to serve the remainder of his late father's term. He served in the U.S. Congress in 1980 and in 1982 began a 28-year career in the Pennsylvania Senate until his retirement in 2010.
He was a renowned legislative strategist and worked across party lines as the sponsor or co-sponsor of legislation focusing on the environment, crafting one of the first clean air bills in the country. Other legislative priorities included education and the rights of the disabled. He was the catalyst behind Luzerne County's Grandparents raising Grandchildren program.
Constituent service was the cornerstone of his public career and Musto was a fierce advocate for the citizens of his district. Above all, he will be remembered as a family man.
He was a member of St. Joseph Marello Parish, Pittston. He was also a proud member of the Pittston Township Fire Department and many other civic organizations.
He was preceded in death by sister, Louise Francioso; and brother, Gerard Musto.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving children, James and his wife, Mary, Jenkins Township; Ray Jr. and his wife, Karen, Hughestown; Michael and his wife, Laurine, Arlington, Virginia, and Fran and her husband, Dave Drozda, Plains Township; grandchildren, Carly, Christopher and Alexandra, Raphael III, Lisa, Nicholas Musto; Kimberly and Krysten Drozda; great-grandchild, Kai Drozda; siblings, James and his wife, Gertrude; Antoinette Deeb; Biagio and his wife, Carol; Joseph and his wife, Fortunata; John and his wife, Philomae; in-laws, Domenica Musto, James Francioso, James and Sue Panzetta, Anita Panzetta, Mary Panzetta; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to Carly Musto, PA-C; Dr. Mauer Biscotti and Dr. David Greenwald for their exceptional care and compassion. They also thank the Pittston Township Volunteer Fire Department, the paramedics/ambulance and police departments for their assistance and support.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Monday in St. Joseph Marello Parish, 237 William St., Pittston. Everyone attending Mass is asked to go directly to the church Monday morning. Relatives and friends may pay their respects from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Baloga Funeral Home Inc., 1201 Main St., Pittston (Port Griffith).
The family requests that flowers be omitted. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 712 S. Keyser Ave., Taylor, PA 18517; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Center, 237 William St., Pittston, PA 18640; or a charity of the donor's choosing.
For directions or to send an online condolence, please visit www.balogafuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Senator Raphael J. Musto
Mary Ann and Nick Penning
May 4, 2014
Dear Mike, Mary Ann and I were saddened to learn of the passing of your loving father. From our conversations and now, through the beautiful remembrance in your eulogy, we have come to know your father as a warm and committed public servant, a true man of the people. We join in your sorrow and offer prayers for comfort and peace. Mary Ann and Nick
debi cappellini
April 28, 2014
I worked with Senator musto when he was in the state house of representatives in Harrisburg he was a great person to all of us .sorry for your loss
Deborah Rizzo
April 28, 2014
Mr. Musto was the most kindest man I, & my dad have ever knowen. My dad David Rizzo has passed years ago. Mr Musto knew my father well. My sympthy goes out to the whole Musto family.. Mr Musto helped people & made Pittston a better place to live .. My thoughts & prayers are with the Musto family
KEN BANGS
April 28, 2014
WITH SYMPATHY TO THE MUSTO FAMILY,MAY HE REST IN PEACE
DONNA MCFADDEN-CONNORS
April 28, 2014
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE ENTIRE MUSTO FAMILY.THE SENATOR WAS ALWAYS THERE,NOT ONLY FOR US BUT FOR THE CITY OF PITTSTON ALSO. MAY HE REST IN PEACE
Pat McGinty
April 28, 2014
So very sorry for your loss
It is a loss to all of us.
May the Senator rest in peace
Ray&Rose Okrasinski
April 28, 2014
So very sorry for your loss.
Jim Fitzpatrick
April 28, 2014
Jimmy,and Family,my deepest condolences at this time.Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Kathy Blockus
April 28, 2014
Our deepest condolences to the Musto family at the loss of one of the great ones. Mr. Musto did much for many people, and he will be missed.
Eva Redding
April 27, 2014
Rip Ray you were an amazing person.Always
helped me and my dad in hard times.You will be missed God bless your family at this very difficult time
Janet Cusick
April 27, 2014
I had the honor of knowing Senator Musto from being friends with his loving family. He was a wonderful man that cherished every moment with his loving wife & children. A great loss to the community & to all that honored him. God bless! RIP Senator Musto.
With deepest sympathy.
Karen Pribula-Musloski
April 27, 2014
My deepest condolences for your loss. He will be greatly missed.
Bill Manganaro
April 27, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the Musto Family.
Bernie Castle
April 27, 2014
My deepest condolences to Senator Musto's family during this most difficult time. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Musto at a grandparents conference back in 2011, and he struck me as a very kind and down-to-earth gentleman. May he rest in peace.
linda bravo
April 27, 2014
I'am so sorry for your loss.I never met Mr.Musto, but he did great things.There will never be anyone like him. God bless him. his wife and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kenny Feeney
April 27, 2014
Fran and the entire Musto family I am very sorry for your loss. Ray was a good man.
Sharon Musto Sayre
April 26, 2014
Frances and Family, Our deepest sympathy to all of you. My Family and I have some great memories when you and Ray would come to our banquets for "Total Woman" to crown our queens. We thank you for those special times. You and your Family always made people feel special. Love and Prayers to you. Sharon Musto Sayre, (Cousin-the Late Anthony Musto and Rose Musto)
philip adonizio
April 26, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Loretta Murray
April 26, 2014
I was blessed to meet Senator Musto many years ago. He made me feel welcome and completely at ease from the moment we met. My memory of him will always be of a smiling, kind and compassionate man. A leader, a true "Gentleman".
My sincere sympathy to the entire Musto family.
April 26, 2014
A great loss loved you Mr Musto,you always helped me out and my family,will never forget you God bless your family.very sorry for your loss.Rip,
PJ McHale
April 26, 2014
My prayers are with all of you. My brother, John, and I have great memories of visiting the family store as children with our father for the weekly order. Ray, Netta and Jimmy were always so friendly and kind. Over the years, Ray always found time to attend the wakes of our family members. We will always remember his kindness and smile.
PJ McHale
Eileen Duggan
April 26, 2014
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. I have such fond memories of Ray. Due to poor health, I am unable to attend but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Eileen Flanagan Duggan
April 26, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family at this difficult time. -
The Spencer and Steffel Family
Carol Calabrese
April 26, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. Ray was a great person. I thank him for his good deeds and I will miss him.
ANDY MAMARY
April 26, 2014
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY, RAY WAS A GOOD FRIEND A GREAT GUY, LOVED BY ALL. NEVER TOO BUSY TO HELP SOMEONE, OR TO DO SOMEONE A FAVOR. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
Joe Griglock
April 26, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family at this difficult time.
The Delaney Family
April 26, 2014
Deepest condolences to the entire Musto family. Senator Musto was a great man and even a better friend. Those who knew him as both are truly blessed. He will be greatly missed.
JEAN FERLICK
April 26, 2014
DEAR FRANCE &FAMILY WE ARE SENDING OUR CONDOLENCES OF THE PASSING OF A GREAT SENATOR THAT WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY THE FAMILY OF THE LUCARELLI SISTERS ANNE FERRARE,GERALDINE LUCARELLI,LUCY BRUNO &JEAN FERLICK &FAMILY.
Elizabeth Martin
April 26, 2014
Deepest condolences to the family for the loss of a great, great man. He will be missed by many, and remembered with undaunted respect by many more.
Mary/Robert Ryan
April 26, 2014
R.I.P. Ray you were a great man and did lots of things to help people
Lou tribbett
April 26, 2014
My condolence to the entire musto family your cousin lou tribbett RIP
Christina Totaro-Renfer
April 26, 2014
My most sincere condolences to the Musto family. Senator Musto was the nicest man to my family, as well as many others in our area. He will be sorely missed.
ann weaver
April 26, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Mr.& Mrs. Arthur Weaver
April 26, 2014
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Kenneth Johnson
April 25, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family of Senator Musto. He was gracious in his dealings with me as I served in multiple communities in his district over several years. I respected him and his concern for the people in his district. God bless.
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