Thomas "Cookey" Gerrity Jr.

Thomas Gerrity Jr., 85, of Scranton, died Monday at Geisinger Community Medical Center.

His wife of 64 years is the former Loretta Stasits.

Born in Scranton, he was a son of the late Thomas and Josephine Zelinsky Gerrity. He attended West Scranton schools and was involved in his family's furniture business from a young age. Thomas succeeded his father, owning and operating Gerrity's Furniture Store for nearly 40 years; as well as Gerrity's Moving and Storage for nearly 30 years. He ran both businesses with his daughter Leslie by his side.

Also known as "Cookey," Thomas was an animal lover, enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and was an avid hunter. He was physically strong, hardworking and always took great pride in his businesses.

Also surviving are a daughter, Leslie Chalker and husband, John; two sisters, Nancy Riviello; and Patricia Gerrity and husband, Glen Meyers; nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral will be Wednesday with Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Ann's Basilica Parish, 1233 St. Ann's St., to be celebrated by the Rev. Richard Burke, pastor.

Friends may call Tuesday, 3 to 4 p.m. at the Neil W. Regan Funeral Home Inc., 1900 Pittston Ave.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Lackawanna County, 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Twp., 18411; or the Dementia Society of America, www.dementiasociety.org. To email condolences, please visit the funeral home website.