Leona Scicchitano

Leona "Buckie" Scicchitano, O.F.S., of Bentleyville, went to her heavenly reward Friday, May 2, 2014, following a recent illness.She lived life to the fullest and enjoyed a very active lifestyle, celebrating her 90th birthday April 18, 2014. She loved to cook, be with family and friends, and was well-known for her joy-filled hugs.Mrs. Scicchitano was born April 18, 1924, a daughter of the late Elizabeth Payanoff and Pasquale Boccabello, sibling of the late Josephine Stefan and Samuel Boccabello.She was active in high school as a cheerleader, class treasurer and salutatorian of Bentleyville High School, Class of 1942.On December 31, 1947, she married her beloved husband Patsy, who passed September 5, 2012. They celebrated 64 blessed years of marriage. Together, they owned and operated Tan-O-Bell Bowling Lanes in Bentleyville from 1963 to 1985.Mrs. Scicchitano loved to travel on international pilgrimages, most especially to Italy. On March 27, 2000, she was professed into the Immaculate Heart of Mary Fraternity of the Order of Franciscans Seculars, O.F.S., at Immaculate Conception Church in Washington, serving for many years as secretary. She was a member of Catholic Daughters of America serving as past grand regent, Ellsworth Homemakers and Servants of the Little Way and Padre Pio prayer groups. Until her passing, she served as treasurer of Jesus-The Divine Mercy Foundation.She was the beloved mother of Jerry and Margo Scicchitano of Newport News, Va., and Pat and George Polachek of Bentleyville; grandmother of George Pasquale Polachek and Jeremy and Beth Scicchitano; and great-grandmother of Kaitlyn Elizabeth Scicchitano.Also surviving are sister-in-law Josephine Sommariva; several cousins; and many nieces and nephews.There will be no viewing. Friends will be received from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 5, in Ave Maria Church, 126 Church Street, Bentleyville, with a praying of the holy rosary by Catholic Daughters of America, The Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Wake Program by O.F.S., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Edward L. Yuhas as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Luke's Cemetery, Bentleyville. Immediately following will be a celebration of life luncheon held at the Knights of Columbus hall.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jesus-The Divine Mercy Foundation, P.O. Box 21, Bentleyville or Ave Maria Parish, 126 Church Street, Bentleyville.Arrangements are in care of Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home Inc., 809 Main Street, Bentleyville, 724-239-2255. Visit www.thompson-marodi.com to leave a condolence message.