Dolores J. Petritus
OBITUARY
Dolores J. Petritus, 82, of the Tripp Park section of Scranton, died Monday, July 6, 2026, at the Geisinger C.M.C.
Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Rocco and Antonette Leopard Baress. A graduate of Scranton Technical High School, Class of 1961.
A wonderful person, Mom, left us too soon – but we’re grateful to have her as long as we did. She’ll be missed by all whose lives she touched. A kind and generous soul, helping everyone she could.
Mom liked to complete puzzles, play bingo, and order online as evidenced by the tower of packages on her porch daily. She loved Elvis – having seen him in concert at MSG. She loved gardening, defying her daughters to do so, even in blazing sun. She loved going to 76er games with her kids. Even when the games ended in an ugly defeat.
She loved her cats with all her heart. She doted on them and they sure gave her kids some stiff competition for affection. She liked to try new recipes and made a perfect cheesecake for birthdays. Rosemarie tried in vain to get the recipe, tweaked from an old cookbook – but she wouldn’t give it up. After her passing, the cookbook was found with the page for the treasured recipe ripped out. Mom always had the last word. Mom and family would like to thank the staff and doctors at Geisinger Sixth Floor, Cardiac Step-Down Unit, and ER. The family would like to give a big thank you to Dr. Tracy Galardi for all the kindness, compassion, and respect shown to mom over the years of being her PCP.
Surviving are daughters Rosemarie Turnbaugh and husband Frank, Lisa Hnasko and husband Mark; grandsons Ezra and Gabriel; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by lifelong friend and former spouse Stanley Petritus; brothers Joe, Pat, Vince, Pete, Frank Baress; sisters Angela Spinuzza, Betty Baress, and Rose Redick.
Private funeral services and interment in Cathedral Cemetery will be private at the convenience of the family.
Continue Mom’s legacy with a donation to Blue Chip Animal Refuge, bcfanimalrefuge.org or St. Cats and Dogs, stcatsdogs.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted and are under the care of the Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home Inc., 1030 N. Main Ave., Scranton.
Please visit the funeral home website to leave an online condolence.
Dolores J. Petritus
July 6, 2026