Marie Savokinas

Marie was born Aug. 18, 1946, to Simon and Rita (Smith) Gustitus, of West Pittston, right after her twin sister, Mary, was born.

Marie was a Girl Scout Brownie and graduated from West Pittston High School in 1964. While in high school, she worked at Star Garment Dress Factory, American Party Time, and Nathan's Women's Dress Shop on Main Street in Pittston.

After graduating from Empire Beauty School, she worked for Rosemary Garuba's beauty shop, above Savo's Pizza. When Rosemary asked her to go downstairs to buy sodas one day, she met Ray, and the rest was history. They were married on July 12, 1969.

Besides working other jobs, she became an integral part of the Savokinas family businesses, starting with the original Savo's Pizza in downtown Pittston, and then working with Ray, his brother Mike, and Mike's wife, Georgia, to usher in their expansion into the then-new shopping center, Pittston Plaza.

In 1970, Ray and Marie gave birth to their son, Scott, and in 1973, Marie was there when the second location of Savo's Pizza opened across from the Midway Shopping Center in Wyoming. In July of 1975, Marie was by Ray's side to do whatever was necessary to make the 200-seat Staircase Lounge, a beacon of entertainment in Wyoming Valley, run smoothly.

In 1977, after a fire destroyed half of the Pittston Mall, including Savo's and the Staircase, Marie took a job at JCPenney at the Wyoming Valley Mall. She quickly climbed the ladder, becoming a senior merchandising manager.

When she was not working, Marie enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it was gardening, swimming in her pool, or spending time at either Ocean City, N.J., or Virginia Beach. Most of all, Marie loved spending time with the true love of her life — her dog, Ruffles. He was her companion on about every outing she took, and would sit on her lap, looking out the window to watch the sights. Wherever they traveled, everyone knew Ruffles, and Marie was more than happy to introduce everyone to him, offering his never-ending supply of free kisses.

Marie is survived by her husband, Ray; son, Scott, and wife, Rachel, and their two children, Jack and Abi; and twin sister, Mary.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Graziano Funeral Home Inc., 700 S. Township Blvd., Pittston Twp.

Viewing hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Additional viewing hours will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday.

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday. Pastor Shane Nichols of Trinity Christian Church in Avoca will officiate.

Interment will be private at the family's convenience.

For information or to share a memory of Marie, visit www.GrazianoFuneralHome.com.