James Tedesco

James J. Tedesco, a prominent business leader and devoted family man, died Sunday in his home after a brief illness.
He was 98 years old. His wife of 62 years, the former Eileen Biancardi, died on August 10, 2003.
Born in Old Forge on February 5, 1910, he was a son of Anthony and Kathryn Hickey Tedesco. He was a 1928 graduate of Old Forge High School, and received his degree from St. Thomas College, now the University of Scranton, in 1932.
At the age of 26, he was elected as the youngest burgess to serve in Old Forge and the first burgess to serve two terms.
As an owner of Pagnotti Enterprises, Mr. Tedesco served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of its many business concerns in the anthracite coal, construction, banking and insurance industries. In addition, Mr. Tedesco successfully brought cable television to Scranton and the surrounding areas in the early 1970s while serving as the President of Verto Cable Television Corporation. He began his career in banking in 1948, after becoming a member of the board of directors of the Old Forge Bank. From 1966 until his death, he was the chairman, president and chief executive officer of the bank.
Mr. Tedesco had the pleasure of serving on numerous boards including: Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Little Sisters of the Poor, Marywood University, Mercy Hospital and various other businesses and charitable organizations.
He was a deeply loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose most treasured accomplishment was his family. A devoted friend, his selflessness and generosity made him a unique and remarkable individual whose memory will forever live on through his family.
Surviving are daughters Kathryn Cesare and her husband, Dr. Joseph, and Eileen Griffiths and her husband, Tom, and son James Jr, all of Clarks Green; seven grandchildren, Kelly Coffey and husband Joseph, New York, N.Y., Joseph Cesare Jr. and wife Kimberly, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Kara Cesare, New York, N.Y., James Cesare and wife Claudia, New York, N.Y., Jason Griffiths, Clarks Summit, Jeffrey Griffiths, London, U.K., and Katie Griffiths, New York, N.Y.; four great grandchildren, Kate Coffey, New York, N.Y.; Mia, Joe and Luke Cesare, Manhattan Beach, Calif.; a brother, Joseph, and wife Claire, Clarks Summit; and nephew James Antonio.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Josephine Antonio.
Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church, Grace Street, Old Forge. Interment will be at Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.
Friends may call Wednesday, 2 to 8 p.m., at the Ciuccio Funeral Home, located at 145 Moosic Road, Old Forge. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice.