Michael V. Pellicano

Michael Vincent Pellicano, age 66, of Olyphant, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. His sweetheart and wife of almost 48 years is the former Susan Kitchen.

Born in Carbondale, he was the son of the late Anthony and Rose (Muto) Pellicano and was a graduate of Carbondale Area High School, Class of 1976, where he played quarterback for the Chargers and also played baseball. He also attended Bloomsburg University. Prior to retirement, he was a mail carrier for 18 years in Scranton and Dunmore and previously worked at RCA Corporation.

Mike enjoyed sports of all kinds, but especially football. Although he was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and also a Los Angeles Rams fan, he knew all the facts about almost all the teams and players, present and past. He was a Little League coach and umpire, who is still remembered by many of his now-adult players. He loved a pickup game of basketball, played softball, and was available to play catch with any of the neighborhood kids.

Mike was an advocate for those with disabilities. He supported and urged others to support legislation on their behalf. He traveled to DC for Roll on Capitol Hill, meeting with members of Congress to push for needed legislation for the disabled.

But what kept him going and motivated and what he loved most were his two children and four grandchildren. He was a proud dad and loving, fun Poppy and Uncle. He cheered them on at cross country, track, baseball, bike races, dance recitals, basketball, football games, wall-climbing, and ice hockey, attending as many events as he could. He played tea and knew all the princess names and became a ballet fan. He played hide and seek, went to the park, the pool, the gym, and the bowling alley. He was so proud of all the kids’ accomplishments.

Also surviving are daughter, Jessica Bertocki and husband Jason, Scott Township; son, Michael Jr. and wife Stacey, Newark DE; grandchildren, Abby and Adam Bertocki; and Michael III and Francesca Pellicano; brothers, Anthony and wife Roseann, Florida; Joseph and wife Barbara, Dickson City; and Saverio, Carbondale; sisters, Mary, Carbondale; Carolyn Langan and husband Martin, Florida; brother-in-law, Robert Kitchen and wife Paulette, NC; and sisters-in-law, Janet Borick and husband Ed, Carbondale; and Marion Defibaugh and husband Nelson, Hummelstown; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins; and a special caregiver and friend of 20 years, Diane Murphy, who was a Godsend to him and his family.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Rose and Catherine, and a brother-in-law, Everitt Kitchen.

He was a courageous man who didn’t complain and was an inspiration to all. He was always an upbeat person, eager to help anyone, and easily made friends everywhere. He will be sorely missed and always remembered with love.

The funeral will be Saturday, March 8, 2025, from Hudak O’Shea Funeral Home, 115 N. Garfield Ave., Olyphant, with services at 11:00 a.m. in First United Presbyterian Church, 1557 Main St., Peckville, by the Commissioned Pastor, Lorrie Loughney. Inurnment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill.

Family and friends are invited to Michael’s visitation, which will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hudak-O’Shea Funeral Home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lawrence A. Gabriel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Carbondale, under the care and direction of Lawrence A. Gabriel Jr., Funeral Director.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following: Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078 or Individual Abilities in Motion (IAM), 107 Commons Drive, Olyphant, PA 18447.

To offer an online condolence, visit www.gabrielfuneralhome.com