Obituary of James W. Hoover

James W. Hoover, 81, a resident of the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Scranton, formerly of Old Forge, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning. In 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Lois Marsico Hoover. The couple celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on June 22.

Born and raised in Old Forge, he was the son of the late Alphonsus and Anna Leahy Hoover. He was a 1952 graduate of Old Forge High School. James served in the Navy aboard the USS Willis A. Lee DL4 from 1955 to 1957. Prior to retirement, he worked for Betterhouse Inc., Kingston. He was a craftsman by trade and had a remarkable talent as a woodworker. After his retirement, he was associated with the Red Barons' minor league baseball team from its inception in 1989. He was an avid Phillies' baseball fan and enjoyed spending time with the players and friends at the field. He was a lifelong parishioner of the Prince of Peace Parish, Old Forge.

James was very proud of his wife, children and two granddaughters who he adored. He especially loved Sunday dinners and spending time with his family.

James's family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kenneth Sebastianelli, Dr. Christopher Metzger, the nurses and staff in 3 North, 2 South and administrative personnel at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center for their compassion and thoughtfulness.

Also surviving a son, James J. Hoover and wife, Kimberly, Old Forge; a daughter, Laura Talerico and husband, attorney Eugene Talerico Jr., Old Forge; two granddaughters, Katherine E. Talerico and Taylor R. Hoover; a brother, Francis Hoover and wife, Cathy, Wilmington, North Carolina; a sister, Ann Dalton, Dupont; sisters-in-law, Rose Marie McCabe, Moosic; and Jean Patronick, Old Forge; nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Hoover; brothers-in-law, Arthur Mills, John Patronick, Francis McCabe and William Dalton; and a sister-in-law, Nancy Mills.

The funeral will be Friday at 9:30 a.m. from the Louis V. Ciuccio Funeral Home, 145 Moosic Road, Old Forge, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass in the Prince of Peace Parish, West Grace Street, Old Forge. Military services by AMVETS Honor Guard, Dupont. Interment, Old Forge Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, 401 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.