Karen Ann (Poniatowski) Sallavanti
OBITUARY
Karen Ann (Poniatowski) Sallavanti, 58, of Waverly Twp., PA passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born and grew up in Scranton and was the younger daughter of Karen (Williams) Poniatowski and the late Henry J. Poniatowski. Karen was the cherished wife of Attorney Anthony L. Sallavanti. The couple celebrated 29 years of marriage this past Sept. 21 st .
Karen graduated from West Scranton High School in 1985 and received her Associates Degree in paralegal studies from Lackawanna Junior College in 1987. Thereafter, she had a successful career as a paralegal, working for a number of lawyers and law firms in Scranton. She was a loving wife and homemaker, a proud and protective mother, a loyal friend, and a 20-year cancer warrior.
Karen enjoyed vacationing with family and friends, often to beach destinations with warm blue waters. She loved spending time with her friends listening to and dancing to live music performed by local bands. She was a 16-year pet parent of her adored morkie, Charlie. But most of all, Karen was the most ardent fan and supporter of her son with his scholastic sports pursuits and with his academic and dental professional accomplishments.
In addition to her husband, Karen is survived by her son, Anthony Julian Sallavanti, and his longtime girlfriend, Isabella Giovan, of Bala Cynwyd; her sister, Cheryl Burnside, and her husband, William, of Clarks Summit; her brother, Julian Jay Henry Poniatowski, and his wife, Stacie, of Scranton; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including Amanda Stanek, Julian Poniatowski, and Thea Poniatowski; and cousins.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Church of St. Benedict, 1849 Newton Ransom Blvd., Clarks Summit, PA, where the immediate family will receive relatives and friends for one hour prior to Mass. The celebrant will be Msgr. John Sempa. Burial will be privately held by immediate family following the Mass. A Celebration of Life event for family and friends will be held in Karen’s honor at a later date.
In lieu of flowers and due to Lenten Season floral restrictions, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Blood Cancer United) or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available in the church vestibule. Donations may also be made via the funeral home website to each organization.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Ferri & Gillette Funeral Services LLC, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge. To leave an online condolence please visit the funeral home website or Facebook page.
Karen Ann (Poniatowski) Sallavanti
March 2, 2026