Obituary of Jean A. Dante

     Jean A. Dante, 94, of Old Forge, died Sunday at Geisinger CMC. She was the widow of the late Samuel J. Dante who died in 2018.

     Born September 23, 1927, in Old Forge, she was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Ann Sullivan Salerno.  She was a graduate of Old Forge High School.  After beginning studies at the University of Texas, she decided to return to her hometown. She began work at Maxon where she met her husband Sam, who was her life-long partner. After starting a family, she helped her father, the former Chief of Police, run his local dress factory. But she decided that her energy was best directed towards providing a loving home environment for her husband and sons. She was passionate about food and acquired a vast array of culinary skills, and was extremely gratified by the joy her cooking and baking brought to her family and friends. She enjoyed travel, and also was a crossword puzzle enthusiast and avid reader, activities that expanded her knowledge and kept her mind sharp. Her red hair was a perfect symbol of her feistiness and wit, but beneath the surface was a heart of gold.

     Jean was very proud of her sons, and also especially treasured the time she was able to spend with her grandchildren, watching them grow to fine young adults and reminding them countless times how much she loved them.

     She was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish, Old Forge.

     The family wishes to thank Dr. Kenneth Sebastianelli and the staff of Comprehensive Medical Home Care for their many years of compassionate care for Jean.

     Jean is survived by two sons, Dr. Stephen and wife Dr. Karen, Haddonfield, NJ, Michael, Old Forge, three grandchildren; Nick, Alex, and Christina Dante, nieces, and nephews.

     In addition to her husband, Samuel, she was preceded in death by a brother, Nicholas Salerno, and a sister, Shirley Mulligan.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at the Prince of Peace Parish – St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church, 123 West Grace Street, Old Forge, to be celebrated by Rev. August Ricciardi, Pastor.  Interment Old Forge Cemetery.

     Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects to Jean at the church on Friday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

     Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Louis V. Ciuccio Funeral Home, 145 Moosic Road, Old Forge.