Joseph Frank Lini

Joseph Frank Lini, 89, of the Hilldale section of Plains Twp., passed away Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, at River View Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, Plains Twp.

Joe was born in and was a lifelong resident of his beloved Hilldale, son of the late Celeste and Nancy Bonanni Lini, and was known for cooking his Italian specialties. He graduated from Plains Memorial High School in 1950, then served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, attaining the rank of airman 1st class. Upon his honorable discharge from military service, he worked as a chef at Nonni Lini's Restaurant, Hilldale, as a Plains Twp. police dispatcher and later was one of the first Luzerne County 911 dispatchers. He served as a member and past commander of the Italian American Veterans, Post 1 and was an original member of the Hilldale ITLO Club. Joe was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church community and was very active in veterans affairs and local politics. He adored his grandchildren and loved fishing and cooking.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Norma Carnevali Lini, on Feb. 3, 2014; two infant children; sister, Sadie Lini Malinowski; best friend and brother-in-law, Stanley "Stuz" Malinowski; and nephew, Stanley "Rick" Malinowski.

He is survived by his daughter, Bonnie Lini Markowski and her husband, Albert, Plains Twp.; two grandchildren, Dylan Joseph and Emily Rose, Plains Twp.; sister-in-law, Thelma Andreoni, West Pittston; several nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family would like to thank Riverview Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center (Timber Ridge) staff and Compassionate Care Hospice for their care of Joe over the past few years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday at St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William St., Pittston, with Father Joseph P. Elston, pastor, officiating. The family requests that all visitors and those attending Mass please wear face masks.

Interment with Military Honors accorded by the United States Air Force and the Plains American Legion, Joseph E. Conlon, Post 558 Funeral Honors Detail will be held in the Italian Independent Cemetery, West Wyoming.

Family and friends may call from 8:30 a.m. until the time of Mass Friday in St. John's Church.

Arrangements entrusted to Corcoran Funeral Home Inc., 20 S. Main St., Plains Twp.

If you choose to honor Joe, donations can be made to https://www.inclusionproject.org/ or Plains Ambulance Association.

For information or to leave Joe's family a message of condolence, please visit www.corcoranfuneralhome.com.