Earl John Coccetti, Sr.

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Earl John Coccetti Sr. of Eynon. He passed on January 11, 2025 at the age of 87 surrounded by his loving family. Born October 30, 1937 in Peckville, he was the youngest son of John and Mary Lemoncelli Coccetti.

Earl is survived by Josephine Avasine viewing their marriage of 66 years as his greatest happiness and accomplishment. He was Josie’s caregiver the last few years.

Earl frequently said “I see her like the first day we met.” Every night he told her they led a great life and kissed her goodnight.

His devotion to his wife and family was his strongest quality. He was intellectually gifted and a humble, selfless and gentle man who taught his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren strong morals and values. He was so proud to watch his family grow, stay close and always care for each other.

A graduate of Archbald High School, Earl also graduated from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. He was a devoted pharmacist who began his career at Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia and retired from Farview State Hospital in Waymart. He loved his community and filled prescriptions in all the local pharmacies working evenings even after he retired. 

Earl was an avid fisherman, boater, snowmobiler and bowler.

He is survived by his two daughters: Lisa Judge (Robbin Carlson), Dunmore and Sharon Merli (Phil), Aiken SC; a son, Earl John Coccetti Jr. (Bernadette Gatto), Dunmore; grandchildren Michael Judge (Brittnee), Patrick Judge (Casey), Robert Judge (Kristin Hallisky), Jeremy Merli (Ann), Dr Nicole Merli-Bhagwandass (Dr Nithin Bhagwandass); great grandchildren: Emma, Josie and Krew Judge, Nolan, Miles and Audrey Bhagwandass; three sisters-in-law: Theresa Avason, Lucy Clark and Norma Caselli-Coccetti; several nieces and nephews with special mention goddaughter, Gail, John and Yvonne Coccetti and godson, Frank Avason III.

He was preceded in death by three brothers Samuel (Edith), Gilbert (Josephine) and Leonard.

The family would like to thank Dr Michele Hazzouri and Dr Padmaja Bojanapally who became like family as well as the Hospice of the Sacred Heart for easing his passing.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 9:30a.m. at Holy Cross Parish at St Patrick’s Church, 200 Delaware Ave., Olyphant. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, Eynon.

Friends by call on Thursday from 4 to 6p.m. at the Hudak-O’Shea Funeral Home, 115 Garfield Avenue, Olyphant. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church on Friday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Parish at St. Patrick’s Church, 200 Delaware Ave., Olyphant, 18447 or St. Joseph’s Center, 2010 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.

For directions or online condolences please visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.