Graceann Colarusso passed away unexpectantly on Saturday, December 9, 2023 in Fort Myers, Florida. She died of a heart attack at age 86. She resided in Fort Myers, Florida, and previously in Pittston, Pennsylvania and in Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania.
Born Graceann Ardoline on August, 9th 1937, she was the youngest of the five children of Harry and Mamie (Petroziello) Ardoline. She was a proud graduate of the 1954 class of Pittston Area High School. She went on to graduate from Misericordia University with a B.S. in biology on scholarship in 1958. While there, she participated in multiple extracurricular activities in addition to her academic studies, and remained active in the alumni association until her passing.
Graceann began her career as a research analyst at Hoffmann-La Roche in New Jersey. She wed Joseph V. Colarusso on May 28th 1960 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church where she was a very active member. While raising her family, she taught at various schools in the Pittston area. In addition to her fierce love of her family and friends, she was an outstanding cook and considered herself blessed to have traveled extensively throughout her life. She later retired with her husband to Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club in Ft. Myers, Florida. During their 30 plus years of retirement, she deeply cherished her friendships in FLA and PA and enjoyed bible study, golf, walking, swimming, and just about any game of cards. She dedicated countless hours to church and charitable endeavors in the pursuit of helping others.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Joseph Colarusso, Fort Myers, Florida. and three children Amy (Allentown, PA), Patrick and wife Casey (Reading, PA) and Joseph and wife Kathy (Encinitas, CA). Also surviving Graceann is her eldest sister Lucille Ardoline DeGraba and older brother Joseph “Shag” Ardoline. Graceann sincerely adored and doted on her 4 grandchildren that she deeply loved – Brandon, Kira, Siena and Tarah.
Graceann was preceded by her parents and brother Harry Ardoline and sister Florence (Ardoline) Kane.
We will remember her as someone who loved those who knew her best, helped many she did not know and hopefully left the world a better place.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 3, 2024, at 9:30am in St. Joseph Marello Parish, 237 William Street, Pittston. The family will receive friends and relatives from 8:30am until time of mass. Interment, at the convenience of the family in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Graceann’s favorite charities: School Sisters of Notre Dame, 6401 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21212. Attn: Sister Lennon. Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, Pittston.
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