Arthur M. Pesotine

SCRANTON — Arthur M. Pesotine Sr., 104, a longtime resident of Spring Brook Township and a resident of the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Scranton, for the past three years, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, surrounded by his family.

His wife of 36 years was the former Amelia Dommes Leese, who died in 1974.

Born Jan. 20, 1912, in Duryea, he was the last of 16 children born to John and Lois (Miller) Pesotine. Educated in Duryea schools, he was employed as a welder by Eureka Welding, Heidelberg and Moffat Coal Companies, Foster Wheeler, Leo Harding and finally retiring in 1972 from Duryea Wood Working.

A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he was a radio operator with the 324th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, serving in France, Germany and Austria. He was awarded the Eastern-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal.

Art had a strong faith and a rock-solid relationship with Jesus Christ, and attended various Bible-based churches in the area. He was a member of the Spring Brook Rod and Gun Club.

Art was the oldest resident in the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, and was treated like royalty. A special thank you goes out to the nurses and staff of the center for the care, compassion and friendship shown to Art and our family during his stay, words cannot truly express our gratitude.

Surviving are his children, Nancy Kramer, and husband, August "Buddy", Duryea, Arthur "Penny" Pesotine, and wife, Yvonne, Duryea, Gary Pesotine, Duryea; 13 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Donald Pesotine in 1977; a step-son, Robert Leese in 1990, all 15 of his brothers and sisters, and 3 great-grandsons.

A celebration of Art's life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with the Rev. Albert Cremard, pastor of the Independent Bible Church of Duryea, officiating. Interment with Military Honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow privately in Marcy Cemetery. Relatives and friends may pay their respects 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., and are under the direction and care of Art's grandson, Timothy M. Kramer, Associate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL, 33607. Visit the funeral home's website for directions or to leave an online condolence.