James J. Traglia, 97, a resident of the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Scranton, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2018 in Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton. Born in Pittston on November 28, 1920, he was the son of the late Vincenzo and Philomena (Serafine) Traglia.
He was a life-resident of Pittston until he became a resident at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Scranton in March of 2011.
James attended Hughestown schools. He was a Veteran of World War II and served his country with honor and pride. On January 14, 1942, he volunteered and joined the US Army 4th Infantry Division. Jim engaged in combat at the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded twice during the Normandy Invasion. Jim received two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and a Presidential Citation from President Harry S. Truman for his outstanding service to his country.
He was employed at the Tobyhanna Army Depot for 20 years, retiring in 1974. Jim was a member of the AMVETS and a life member of the VFW Post 4909 in Dupont. His everyday passion was spending time in his garden. He will always be remembered as a very kind, generous, and soft-spoken person.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the former Mary Licata in 1974; son Samuel in 1989; brothers Louis, Anthony, Nicholas and Joseph Traglia; sisters Maria Traglia, Madeline Gohl and Jennie Cardillo.
Surviving are his son James S. Traglia and his wife Elizabeth, Pittston; daughter Helene Traglia and her partner Richard Palmer, Pittston; grandsons Anthony and Joseph Traglia and Joseph Dweck; granddaughters Anita Traglia and Marcy Dweck; five great-grandsons, several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center for the excellent care and service given to James during his stay there. The family also thanks the nurses at Geisinger Community Medical Center 5th floor for their compassion and care they gave to James during his final hours.
Funeral services will be Monday, April 9, 2018 at 9am from Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30am in St. Joseph Marello Parish, 237 William Street, Pittston. Interment will follow in St. Rocco’s Cemetery, Pittston. Full Military Honors will be provided by AMVETS Post 189, Greater Pittston Honor Guard. Friends may call Sunday, April 8, 2018 from 5pm-8pm at the funeral home.