Norando Cecci

Norando (Norman) Cecci, a South Scranton resident, died peacefully Sunday morning at the Gino Merli Veterans Center. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Celeste "Dolly" Napolitano Cecci, who died March 2, 2007.

Born in Scranton, November 12, 1928, he was the son of the late Martano and Jennie Ottavianni Cecci. He was a lifelong member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, now St. Paul of the Cross Parish. He attended Scranton public schools and was employed as an electrician with IBEW Local 81 for 58 years before retirement. He was a proud Army veteran of the Korean War, having served in the Pacific Command. He held membership in the VFW and American Legion. He was also an active member of the Dante Literary Society. A devout Catholic, he attended daily 6:30 a.m. Mass at St. Peter's Cathedral until his health declined. Thereafter, he never missed daily local Mass broadcast on Catholic TV.

He was an exceptional cook who loved to prepare Italian specialties, especially at the holidays, and was an avid gardener who gifted vegetables to everyone in the neighborhood and canning multiple jars of tomatoes every summer. He was also a great historian with a remarkable memory. Dad was a humble, gentle man who always took good care of his family. A loving husband, father and brother, he will be forever loved and deeply missed. Dad touched our lives with love and selflessness. We are forever grateful to have been blessed by God with such a wonderful father.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Gino Merli Veterans Center for their compassionate care.

Surviving are one daughter, Karen Cecci Eapen and husband, Dr. P.K. Eapen, Paoli; three sons, Joseph Cecci and wife, Patricia, Dunmore; Marty Cecci and wife, Kathy, Scranton; and Gerard Cecci and wife, Angela, Boyds, Md.; seven grandchildren, Joseph Cecci, Katherine Cecci Tunis, Jillian Cecci Hanson, Corey, Kyle, Michelle and Gabrielle Cecci; and three great-grandchildren, Paul and Kyle Cecci and Liam Hanson; a sister, Rita Annick, Erie; nieces, nephews and cousins; and a dear close friend, David Yarosheski. Dad also had family in Italy whom he loved and was close to, having last visited in 2008.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn Cecci Nickel.

The funeral will be Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. from the August J. Haas Funeral Home Inc., 202 Pittston Ave., Scranton, with Mass at 10 in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 630 Genet St., Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Scott Sterowski, pastor. Interment, private at the convenience of the family.

Friends may call Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gino Merli Veterans Center, 401 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. To leave an online condolence, visit www.augusthaasfuneral home.com.