Irene Christine Zarick Giello

Irene Christine Zarick Giello, age 89, a lifetime resident of Dunmore, Pa., went to meet our Lord and Savior on Jan. 5, 2024. She was born to the late Joseph and Dorothy Olzewski Zarick in Scranton, Pa., on March 5, 1934. Graduated Dunmore High School in 1951. She was married to the late Frank C. Giello and they celebrated 56 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2008.

Irene was also preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Giello Lopatka, Duyrea; and her two sisters, Dorothy Zarick Walsh, Scranton, Dolores "Timmy" Zarick Capoocia, Dunmore; and her son-in-laws, William J. Gallagher, Dunmore, and William M. Wassell, MD, New Iberia, La. Irene is survived by her son, Bill "Fish" Giello, wife Dawn Sandy Giello, Dunmore; daughter, Irene Giello Wassell, New Iberia, La.; and her brother, Joseph "Sonny" Zarick, Dunmore. In addition, she has five grandchildren that are her pride and joy. They are Candice Lynne Gallagher, Los Angeles, Calif.; Joseph John Lopatka, Lebanon, N.J.; Deidre Gallagher, New Orleans, La.; Gabrielle Giello Van Wie, husband Patrick Joseph Van Wie, Scranton; Chelsea Lopatka Erie, husband Nathan James Erie, Duyrea. Irene has two great-grandchildren, Oliver Patrick Van Wie, Scranton, and Emilia Marie Erie, Duryea. She is also survived by her son-in-law, John Lopatka, Duryea; and numerous nieces, nephews and their children.

During her lifetime, Irene worked at the Bell Telephone Company and along with her husband Frank, she was the proprietor of Giello's Market in Dunmore before working at the CMC Hospital housekeeping department. Irene passed on her love of cooking to her children and grandchildren. She was an avid book reader, reading up to 10 novels per week. Listening to her favorite music was another gift that she shared with family and friends. Her love for the New York Yankees was only second to her devotion for animals, especially her pets.

Most of all, Irene cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of which have given her immense joy in her golden years as she watched them grow into adulthood and secure her legacy. A most loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, grandmother, Irene was an advocate for whomever was in need. Irene leaves only beautiful memories of a life well lived.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Chris Burke and the entire staff at Compassionate Care Hospice, Scranton, Pa., that cared for Irene for the past several years.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Twp., PA 18411, or "Trap Dat Cat" at www.trapdatcat.org.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 303 Smith St., Dunmore, Pa. Interment to follow at Dunmore Cemetery. Friends and family may pay their respects on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, Pa. To offer an online condolence, visit www.DunmoreFuneralHome.com.