Josephine A. Roman, RN

Josephine A. Roman, R.N., Dunmore, passed away Tuesday at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore. She was born July 11, 1943, in the family homestead in Dunmore to the late Peter and Anna Mecca Roman (Romaniello).

She was educated in the local Catholic school system, graduating from St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Elementary School, Dunmore. She continued her studies at St. Paul’s High School in Scranton, proudly graduating with the Class of 1961.

Answering a lifelong calling to care for others, Josephine went on to graduate from the Scranton State General Hospital School of Nursing. She served for many years as a Registered Nurse, offering her patients not only clinical skill but a calm, reassuring presence that became her hallmark. She had the distinction of being the very first R.N. hired by Geisinger Medical Center when it opened its inaugural clinic in Scranton at the site of the former Elks Club on Moosic Street. There, she worked alongside the clinic’s medical director, Dr. Richard Martin, helping to establish a standard of care and professionalism that shaped the clinic’s earliest years.

A devout Catholic, Josephine was a faithful member of St. Thomas More Parish in North Scranton. Her devotion extended beyond weekly worship; she was an active member of the Legion of Mary and, together with her dear friend Ernie Pappa, organized and led a monthly rosary devotion rally. She was also an active member of the Divine Will Prayer Group and America Needs Fatima, embracing its mission of spreading Marian devotion and encouraging prayer within the community.

Josephine’s life was not defined by service alone. Her great passion was ballroom dancing, and she was especially known for gliding across the floor in her favorite green dress during televised dance events on WVIA‑TV Channel 44.

Along with her parents, Josephine is preceded in death by several aunts, uncles, and cousins, and by her beloved fur baby poodles Josette, Tina, Jojo, and Francie.

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Grenfell, and Debbie’s significant other, Richard Grenfell, both of Clarks Green; and by her son and devoted caregiver, Donald “Donny” Downes, with whom she resided and whose steadfast support and loving presence had been a constant source of comfort throughout her illness. Also surviving are two brothers, William Roman and James Roman and wife Carol, all of Dunmore; grandchildren Harper Grenfell of Philadelphia and Bristol Grenfell of Miami, FL; a niece, Renee Roman Perry of Scranton; nephews Richard Roman of Throop and Robert Roman of Dunmore; and cousins Linda Mecca Green and her partner Don, and Paul Jackson; as well as a beloved uncle, William Seeger of Dunmore. Additionally, the family would like to extend sincere appreciation to her cousin Mark Mecca, who was a steady presence and source of strength for Josephine during her illness.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Philip A. Huffman, Dr. Joseph P. Bannon, and her long‑term friend and medical associate, Dr. Richard Martin, for the compassionate care and support they provided throughout Josephine’s illness. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff of Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, whose support sustained Josephine through her most intimate moments and who celebrated her life with tenderness and respect.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Thomas More Parish, located at the corner of Theodore Street and North Main Avenue in North Scranton. Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Dunmore.

Family and friends may call on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Carlucci–Golden–DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc., 318 East Drinker Street, Dunmore. Additional calling hours will be held at the church on Tuesday morning, beginning one hour prior to the Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made in Josephine’s honor to St. Thomas More Parish, 116 Theodore St., Scranton, or to Providence Pregnancy Center, 1660 North Main Ave., Scranton.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.NEPAFuneralHome.com.

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