Dennis Lalley, 86, of Dunmore, died Saturday. His wife of 43 years, the former Rose Ann Pantuso, died in 2003.
Born in Scranton, son of the late John D. and Marjorie Kelley Lalley, Dennis was a member of SS. Anthony and Rocco Parish in Dunmore, where he was actively involved as an acolyte and served as president of the Holy Name Society for many years.
A 1953 graduate of South Catholic High School, he was a United States Army veteran. Prior to retirement, Dennis was well-known throughout the community as superintendent of Cathedral Cemetery for the Diocese of Scranton. He also served on the board of directors of St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, helped found the Fathers Club at Bishop O'Hara High School, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. After retirement, Dennis enjoyed working for many years as a courier for Barbetti Accounting, and made new friends.
Dennis lived his life in service to his church, his family and his country. During his 40 years as superintendent of Cathedral Cemetery, any family and their deceased loved ones were always treated with respect, dignity and compassion. He brightened the day of anyone he spoke with by his sense of humor and his quick wit. He will be greatly missed by those he served so well.
He is survived by his three children, Carolyn Azzarelli and husband, James; Marjorie Lukasik and husband, Ray; and Atty. John D. and wife, Tina; six grandchildren, Maura Ryczak, Caroline Azzarelli, Greg and Matt Lukasik, and Aidan and Colin Lalley; a great-granddaughter, Grace; three sisters-in-law, Judy Lalley, Marie Mirabelli; and Barbara Simon and husband, Ray; two brothers-in-law, John Pantuso and Al Pantuso Sr.; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was also preceded in death by his beloved brothers and sister, Jule Ann, Jack; Thomas and wife, Joyce; Paul and wife, Ann; William (Kelley) and wife, Ann; Lt. Col. Patrick, and an infant brother, Robert Lalley.
The funeral will be Thursday with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 208 Smith St., Dunmore, celebrated by the Rev. David Cappelloni, pastor, followed by interment at Cathedral Cemetery.
Friends may call Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Morell-LaBelle Funeral Home, 301 Chestnut St., Dunmore. Those attending the funeral on Thursday are asked to please go directly to the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave., Scranton, 18509; or SS. Anthony and Rocco Parish, 303 Smith St., Dunmore 18512.
Arrangements, Neil W. Regan Funeral Home Inc. To email condolences, visit nwrfh.com.