Patrick J. Criscera

Patrick J. Criscera, 97, of Carbondale, passed away on Thursday at Creekside Health and Rehab Center, Carbondale. His is survived by his wife of 66 years, the former Margaret Fofi.

Born in Carbondale, son of the late Paul and Frances Crisalli Criscera. In his early years, he was a milkman, delivering door to door. This is where he would meet his wife, Margaret. He later worked at Triangle Pacific in Carbondale, until he retired.

He was a WWII veteran, where he served with the 44th Infantry Division in Europe from 1943-1945. He received the Purple Heart after being wounded in combat during a battle in Germany's Black Forest. His actions would be recognized nearly 70 years later, when he received the French Legion's Medal of Honor in 2014. This award was given to veterans by the French Embassy for fighting in one of the four major battles that liberated the country from the Nazi regime.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Carbondale. Some of Patrick's favorite things included gardening, spaghetti on Sundays, flying his Italian and American flags on his front porch, watching Penn State football and reading the paper with his wife.

He is survived by three children, Paul Criscera and wife, Roxanne of Carbondale; Patrick Criscera and wife, Michelle of Browndale; and Margaret Olsewski and husband, Joe of Carbondale; six grandchildren, Lisa Criscera, Christopher Criscera, Alicia Clark, Rachelle Criscera, Nora Olsewski and Maura Olsewski; four great-grandchildren, Abbigale Clark, Natalya Clark, William Clark and Tessa Grace Criscera; several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Anthony Criscera; a sister, Catheine Mordoe.

The funeral will be Monday at 9 a.m. from the Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Farview and 41st Streets, Carbondale, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 15 Fallbrook St., Carbondale. Interment with military honors, parish cemetery, Carbondale.

Friends may call Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m.

To share condolences and photos with Pat's family, visit his book of everlasting memories at www.parisefuneralhome.com.