Joseph R. Sperrazza

Joseph R. Sperrazza, 89, of Pittston Township, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Born in Pittston, he was the son of the late Joseph and Salvatrice (Katie) Lanza Sperrazza. Joe was raised in Pittston Township and graduated from Pittston Township High School in 1953. He attended linotype school in New York City and later returned to the area to work in the printing industry. In his earlier years, he was employed by the Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company and was a proud original employee of the Citizen’s Voice newspaper, where he worked for 20 years. Later in life, Joe served as a member of the Pittston Township Sewer Authority.

He was a devoted member of the former St. Rocco’s Church and then St. Joseph Marello Parish. Joe was also a longtime member of the Montedoro Society and looked forward to celebrating the Feast of the Mother of the Rosary each year.

Joe was a man who loved life and cherished the time he spent with his family. Nothing brought him more happiness than being surrounded by his loved ones.  On Sundays, he enjoyed his pasta dinners and watching football and golf—made all the better when shared with his grandchildren. Joe had a special gift for storytelling and was always quick with a joke or a warm smile. He delighted in sharing tales of his childhood and life lessons with anyone who would listen, and speaking Sicilian whenever he had the chance. 

He also enjoyed cooking and gardening.  In his younger years, he enjoyed swimming at the YMCA, and spending time with the crew at Burger King, where he loved catching up with friends.

Above all, Joe was most proud of his four beloved grandchildren, who brought endless joy to his life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Grace Sperrazza and Mary Ann Arnone, his brother, Sam Sperrazza and his sister-in-law, Jean Ristagno Sperrazza. 

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Regina (Jean) Yencha Sperrazza. They would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in June. He is also survived by his three daughters: Joanne Serrano and husband Alvaro, of Encinitas, CA; Christina Seifert and husband Bill, of Mountain Top; and Jean Ann Bryk and husband Sean, of Laflin; his cherished grandchildren: Sofia Serrano, Juan Manuel Serrano, Eliza Seifert, and Allen Seifert. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, John Yencha and wife Beverly, of Penn Lake; his sister-in-law, Teresa Cipriani and husband Tom, of Ashley; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William St., Pittston.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 9:30 AM at St. Joseph Marello Parish, 237 William St., Pittston. Those wishing to attend are asked to go directly to the church. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

To leave an online condolence please visit adoniziofuneralhome.com

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