James J. Deice

James J. Deice, 76, of Pittston, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Born in Pittston on August 18, 1947, he was the son of the late Joseph and Hilda Orlando Deice.

He was a graduate of West Pittston High School Class of 1965.  While at West Pittston, he was a member of both the football and track teams.  In 1969 he graduated from the University of Scranton where he received a B.S. in Education/Major in English.  He received his Masters Degree credits from West Chester University, Penn State University, Lehman Campus and the University of Scranton.

He was a teacher for 31 years.  He started his teaching career in 1969 at Springford High School in Royersford, PA.  In 1972 he was hired at Pittston Area High School as an English teacher.  In 1997 he was selected by the National Honor Society of Pittston Area to receive the distinguished Gerard M Musto Award which recognized him as the Teacher of the Year. 

Athletically, he was a coach for Pittston Area Track, Football and was head Wrestling Coach for 26 years.  Because of his achievements with the wrestling team, he was selected by fellow district wrestling coaches as Coach of the Year.  Just recently, the wrestling room at PA High School was dedicated to him for his years of commitment.  His life revolved around whatever athletic season it was and could tell you the scores, stats and schedules for them all.  He also loved following his granddaughter, Nina to all of her sporting events and even turned her dance recitals into a sporting event.

Jim was extremely proud of his Italian heritage.  He has been a member of the Italian American Association of Luzerne County for the past 37 years.  He was the current President and during the 37 years, he served numerous terms as President; Chairman for the Columbus Day weekend festivities and dinner dance and Chairman of the Association’s Scholarship Committee.  What he looked forward to the most was organizing the monthly dinners and seeing everyone.

He was also very active with the City of Pittston being the chairman of the Pittston Parking Authority for 25 years and his pride and joy was being associated with the Pittston City Tomato Festival.  He was involved for 34 years as a vendor, committee member and co-chairman of the parade.

Surviving are his wife, Judy Starna Deice; daughter, Amy Deice (Scott Carey), Hughestown and their daughter, Nina Carey; step-daughter Amy Russo Schuebel (Jerry), King of Prussia and their daughters, Amanda, Audrey, and Alyssa; sister, Janice Luvender (Daniel), Pittston Township; brother-in-law, Robert Starna (Marilyn), Pittston Township; nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins. 

Family and friends (that were like family) were most important to him and held close in his heart.  He will be sadly missed but now it’s our turn to hold him forever in our heart.

The family will receive relatives and friends, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 4pm-7pm in Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 9:30am in St. Joseph Marello Parish, 237 William Street, Pittston.  Those attending are asked to go directly to church.  Interment, West Pittston Cemetery.

#Deice