Edythe (DeStefano) Massaro
OBITUARY
Edythe (DeStefano) Massaro, a Scranton native and formerly of Dunmore, passed away on Thursday, New Year’s Day, at Elan Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton. She was 103 years young.
On Christmas Day, 1995, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Massaro.
Born in Scranton on September 7, 1922, and daughter of the late Ubaldo and Vincenza (Fiori) DeStefano, Edythe was a graduate of the former Scranton Technical High School. Prior to her retirement, she worked for the Grove Silk Mill in Scranton, prior to its closure.
She was the heart of every gathering and the most influential person in our lives. Much like Rose from The Golden Girls, she brought humor, warmth, and a joyful spirit wherever she went. She loved playing shuffleboard, cooking meals that brought everyone to the table, and hosting get-togethers filled with laughter, conversation, and love. When she wasn’t surrounded by family and friends, she could often be found doing word searches or quilting, creating something beautiful with her hands. Her Catholic faith was central to who she was and guided the way she loved and cared for others. She lived her faith quietly but deeply, with gratitude and trust, often punctuating life’s moments with her familiar saying, Thank God for that. She carried both joy and sorrow with grace, having endured the heartbreaking loss of her only son, Fran, when he was just 33 years old, as well as her beloved husband, Willam. We find comfort in knowing that she is now peacefully reunited with them. Though she will be missed beyond words, her love, laughter, and faith live on in all who were blessed to know her.
She is survived by her grandchildren, Mauri DeMartino and husband Frank of Scranton, Matthew Massaro of Scranton, Franco Ardoline of Peckville, Jackie Ardoline of Scranton and Kelly Fata and husband Jordan of Taylor; seven great grandchildren, Rory, Eli, Tyler, Mya, Serena, Lincoln and Santino; her daughter-in-law, Cindi Ardoline of Peckville; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her son, Francis “Fran” Massaro; and as the last of six DeStefano siblings, she was also preceded in death by James and Leonard DeStefano, Louise Gill, Adeline Vullo, Josephine Hanis.
Her family would like to acknowledge and thank the entire staffs of both Elan Skilled Nursing Center and Compassionate Care Hospice for the care given to Edythe throughout the years.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Wednesday at 10:15 AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Saints Anthony and Rocco Parish, 303 Smith Street in Dunmore, to be celebrated by Rev. David Cappelloni, Pastor. Burial will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery.
Family and friends may pay their respects at the funeral home on Wednesday from 9:30 – 10:15 AM.
Memorial contributions may be made in Edythe’s name to the donor’s favorite charity. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.
Edythe (DeStefano) Massaro
January 1, 2026