Anne C. (Gasper) Altavilla

     Anne C. (Gasper) Altavilla, 83, a resident of Plains Township, passed peacefully into eternal life, Saturday, December 12, 2020, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease, while in the care of Mountain Top Health Care Center and Hospice of the Sacred Heart.    

   Born July 24, 1937 in Wilkes-Barre to the late Stephen and Anna (Molitoris) Gasper, she was the youngest of four children. Educated in the city schools, she graduated from the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Slovak Parochial School, North Wilkes-Barre and then graduated from the James M. Coughlin High School.

     In her youth, she worked at the former Prestige Shoe Company, Wilkes-Barre, where she met her late husband.  Later in life, she worked in various capacities within the local food service and hospitality industries, making many wonderful friends along the way.

     Devoted to her Catholic faith, Anne held membership in the Parish of Saint Andre Bessette, having been a life member of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Slovak Catholic Church prior to its closure and subsequent merger.  At Sacred Heart, she was previously involved with the parish Christian Mothers and Parent-Teacher Association.

     Proud of her Slovak heritage, Anne's fraternal memberships included the Slovak Catholic Sokol; the First Catholic Slovak Union (Jednota); the Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union and the Slovak Catholic Federation.

     Anne is remembered for her gentle, loving ways; being a devoted and hard-working wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.  Her presence will be greatly missed by all those she touched in this life.  When she was able, Anne enjoyed cooking and baking, especially striving to maintain Slovak traditions at the holidays.

     Anne was preceded in death by her husband, Donald D. Altavilla on October 9, 2002.   At the time of his passing, the couple shared forty-three years of married life together.  Also preceding her were sisters, Marie Gryczko and Theresa Firda as well as her brother, John Gasper.

     Left to honor her memory and example are her children, Philip A. Altavilla, and Chris A. Altavilla, R.N. and spouse, Dani; two grandchildren, Leigha Serafin and husband, Jonathan and Danielle Drevenak; nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends, including caregiver, Sarah Mountain.

     Funeral services for Anne will be conducted on Tuesday with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in the Parish of Saint Andre Bessette, 668 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre.  The Reverend Richard E. Fox, pastor of Saint Patrick’s Parish, West Scranton, and personal family friend, will serve as celebrant and homilist.

     Interment, with the Rite of Committal, will follow in Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery, of Saint Andre Bessette Parish, Dorchester Drive, Dallas.

     Relatives and friends are welcome for visitation at the church Tuesday morning from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass.  Due to the on-going health crisis, facial masks and social distancing are required by those in attendance.

     In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Anne’s memory may give consideration to Saint Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA  18509.

     The John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., North Wilkes-Barre location is honored to care for our friend, Anne Altavilla and her family at this time.  

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