Search by Name

Search by Name

Rita Antionette Tarnalicki

1940 - 2022

Rita Antionette Tarnalicki obituary, 1940-2022, Wilkes-Barre Twp., PA

BORN

1940

DIED

2022

FUNERAL HOME

Jendrzejewski Funeral & Cremation Services

21 N Meade St

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Rita Tarnalicki Obituary

Rita Antionette Sigo Tarnalicki passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Rita was born Aug. 16, 1940, to the late Joseph Sigo and Catherine Matowdlak Sigo, in Wilkes-Barre Twp.

She graduated from Smiths Nursing School before she graduated from Wilkes-Barre Twp. High School in 1958. She married her prince, Frank W. Tarnalicki, in October 1958. She worked in several purse and shoe factories in the area as a leather skiver. She was the co-founder and a charter member of the Wilkes-Barre Twp. Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She also worked as an assistant to Mrs. Welabob at the Wilkes-Barre Twp. Nursery School. She found her niche helping girls become young women by volunteering as a Girl Scout Leader for Penn's Woods Council for over 25 years.

When her husband, Frank, battled brain cancer, they received a prayer shawl which brought them both great comfort. She wanted to share that comfort with others after his passing in 2007. Rita utilized her love of knitting and crocheting to become the driving force behind the Prayer Shawl Ministry, along with some close friends, at Our Lady of Hope Church. They made prayer shawls for the sick, caps and blankets for local neonatal units and hats and scarves for those in need. Even during her last days, thinking of others, she tried to crochet for the ministry.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Frank; son, Joseph Tarnalicki; grandson, Erik Smith; sisters, Florence Zaruta, Marcella Zapotek and Elsie Krasanhill; and brother, Joseph Sigo.

Rita is survived by her children, Antionette Smith and husband, Ronald; Bernadette Gurnari and husband, Anthony; David Tarnalicki and fiancée, Josephine McCarthy; and Rachel Tarnalicki; grandchildren, Pamela and Kurt Smith; Eugene, Joseph and Deena Gurnari; and Joshua, Kristofer and Kathryn Tarnalicki; and great-grandchildren, Richard and Scarlett Smith; and Lilliana Gurnari.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday from Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 N. Meade St., Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Hope Parish, Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. The Rev. John S. Terry, pastor, will be celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Maternity Cemetery, West Wyoming. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

She was a patient of Hospice of the Sacred Heart and we would like to thank their inpatient and outpatient staff for all their kindness.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 53 Glenmaura National Blvd., Suite 120, Moosic, PA 18507.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Citizens Voice on Oct. 11, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Rita Tarnalicki

Sponsored by Jendrzejewski Funeral & Cremation Services.

Not sure what to say?





Wendy Williams

October 19, 2022

I'm so sorry to find out Rita passed away. I worked with her for many many years at the Girl Scouts and missed her dearly at the voting poles when I went to vote. She truly was a sweet, funny, woman and will be missed.

Sharon Gancarcik, Auxiliary 781, Mt. Top

October 17, 2022

I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother. Thoughts and prayers are with you, may she rest in peace.

Nicole Forbus

October 15, 2022

Pamela & Family:
So very sorry for your loss. Ms Rita was always so kind to me whenever I stopped by with Pam upon my visits to PA. Holding your family in prayer. God bless,
Nicole

Darlene Modla (Sokoloski)

October 13, 2022

Dear Rachel and Family,

I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time.

Mary Ann (Peritch) Piscotty

October 12, 2022

Rita was a friend and classmate. So very sorry to hear of her passing. Sending condolences and prayers to her family. May she rest in peace.

Bernadine Elick

October 12, 2022

My sincere and heartfelt condolences go to Rita's family. She will always be remembered for all the wonderful things she has done for the children and community.

Ann Wielgopolski

October 12, 2022

Sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace!

dortha slabinski bienick

October 12, 2022

To Bernadette and all the family - So sorry for your loss of your mother - Thoughts and prayers always and may you find comfort from family and friends in this time of loss.

Jim Smith

October 12, 2022

Our deepest condolences to the Tarnalicki Family.

denise carey

October 12, 2022

So very sorry for your loss

ANTHONYI ORZECHOWSKI

October 11, 2022

IAM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS ANTHONY

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Rita Tarnalicki's name

Memorial Events
for Rita Tarnalicki

Oct

16

Calling hours

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Jendrzejewski Funeral & Cremation Services

21 N Meade St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Oct

17

Funeral service

9:30 a.m.

Jendrzejewski Funeral & Cremation Services

21 N Meade St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Oct

17

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Hope Parish

Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Funeral services provided by:

Jendrzejewski Funeral & Cremation Services

21 N Meade St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

How to support Rita's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Rita Tarnalicki's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more