Rosalie Butera Petonak

1938 - 2022

Rosalie Laura Butera Petonak, 83, of Exeter, died Thursday, June 9, 2022, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Born in Pittston, on Oct. 8, 1938, Rosalie was a daughter of the late Salvatore and Diega Buscarino Butera, immigrants from Racalmuto, Sicily. One of 10 children, she was a 1956 alumna of Pittston High School.

Always a diligent worker, Rosalie spent her summers picking fruit and vegetables on a farm in upstate New York in order to help her family with expenses. After high school, she worked in a garment factory before starting a family. Once her children were school age, she began a long tenure at Markdata, Pittston, where she was respected for her work ethic and support of her coworkers. Rosalie's work ethic allowed her three children to attend college at King's College and Kutztown University.

She married Andrew D. Petonak in June 1963. Her husband loved her without reservation for 45 years, and they enjoyed bowling, watching the Philadelphia Phillies, vacationing in Atlantic City and spoiling their cats. Rosalie put homemade tomato sauce every night onto the food for their beloved dog, Jingles. Rosalie and Andy raised three children, Andrew James, Dorothy Ann and Joseph John, whose successes delighted them and whose children kept them young.

Rosalie was a vigorous athlete, playing basketball in high school and softball as an adult. Most notably, she was a state champion bowler. In true Italian fashion, she never let anyone leave her home without eating.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew; son-in-law, Fred Schrandt; sisters, Salvatrice (Sally) Butera; Mary Butera; Gaetana (Tina) Maruca; and Josephine Barbini; and brothers, Joseph and Mario Butera.

She is survived by her children, Andrew Petonak (Robin Field); Dorothy Ann Schrandt; and Joseph Petonak (Wendy); sisters, Vincentina (Vincie) Butera; and Dorothy Satkowski (Steve); and sister-in-law, Ellen Petoniak. She was cherished by seven grandchildren, Joseph, Nathan and Shelby Petonak; Freddie and Abby Schrandt; and Samuel and Benjamin Field.

The family thanks the caregivers at Highland Manor, where Rosalie spent her last few years, for their attentive and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge (www.bcfanimalrefuge.org) to honor Rosalie's deep love of animals.

Services were in the care of Graziano Funeral Home Inc., Pittston Twp.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Chapel of Christ the King at King's College, 29 W. North St., Wilkes-Barre.

For information or to express condolences to Rosalie's family, visit www.GrazianoFuneralHome.com.