Joseph Robert Solfanelli
Joseph Robert Solfanelli
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Joseph Solfanelli Obituary
Joe was the son of the late Joseph Robert and Helen Morano Solfanelli. Born Dec. 31, 1945, in Scranton, Pa., Joe grew up a local star on the basketball court and baseball diamond at Cathedral High School, and he loved recounting (to anyone who would listen) his brief stint with the Yankees' farm team. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, he enjoyed not only street smarts, but also a brilliant legal mind. After graduating from the University of Scranton, he attended the Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he was named to Law Review and he launched his career in New York City at the law firm of Whitman & Ransom.
Joe returned to Scranton to continue to give back to the community, serving as a board member for the Salvation Army of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Boy Scouts of America, and he was an original incorporator and charter member of the board of the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. Throughout his long and impressive career, Joe was the chief legal officer and executive vice president of First Liberty Bank in Scranton, general counsel to Pagnotti Enterprises and general counsel to Allied Services. Joe also represented a wide range of clients in private practice, often pro bono.
All who knew Joe attest to his unyielding generosity, his fight for the underdog and his abundance of pride and love for his children.
Joe is survived by his three children, David Joseph Solfanelli, Robert Joseph Solfanelli and Sara Elena Solfanelli and her husband, Aidan J. Sullivan; his grandsons, Joseph David and Robert Dominic; and granddaughter, Genevieve Ann Solfanelli; and his sister, Laura Solfanelli.
Private funeral services and interment in Cathedral Cemetery were held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers or donations, perform an act of kindness or show generosity toward someone in need.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted and are under the care of the Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home Inc., 1030 N. Main Ave., Scranton.
Visit the funeral home website to leave an online condolence.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Paula Consagra
March 18, 2020
We miss you every day. We miss talking to you .... You will always be our most precious friend. We hope you are now free of pain and your with your wonderful Father. Love you Joey always will .....
Paul Piazza
April 6, 2017
We will miss you Joey!
Love you,
Uncle Paul & Aunt Mary Piazza and family
Timothy Redel
April 1, 2017
The Solfanelli's were our neighbors in Waverly in the 1970's. Joe always treated me like a son, loaning me his Mercedes convertible for dates on warm Summer nights. A few weeks ago I spoke with Joe on the phone from Hong Kong after more than 35 years of losing contact. His spirits were high even though he had serious health issues. We talked about our families and he was so proud of his children. We agreed to talk in the following week but we never did? His wife contacted me explaining Joe had passed away. Life is short. I wish you David, Bobby and Sara a life filled with joy and happiness. Please contact me if you plan to visit Hong Kong.
Debora Pacheco Solfanelli
April 1, 2017
My beloved husband, you will be missed by me and your step son Anthony Lima step daughter Anna Lima,we love you always.
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Michael Downend
March 28, 2017
I was honored to call him friend.
March 27, 2017
Dear David, Bobbie,and Sara. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time in your lives. We know how proud your Dad was of each of you and hope that brings you comfort in addition to your happy memories. Love to you all, Carole and Bob Wright
March 27, 2017
ill miss my friend
Rose Ashton
March 26, 2017
Sincerest condolences to your family Joe. You were a beautiful kind person and this world will miss you. Being in the professional world of the law for over 40 years, you were brilliant. As a friend you were true blue. The world is a better place because we had you. Now you are a guardian angel for all who loved you.
Judy Gatelli
March 26, 2017
RIPJoe...I will never forget how kind you were to my dad during his business problems...pro bono of course...bless your soul .....prayers and thoughts for his loving family too
Joe Pivovarnik
March 25, 2017
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies
Mary Burne
March 25, 2017
My thoughts and prayers for the Solfanelli Family at this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
Mary Lou and Jim Burne
March 25, 2017
Dear David, Bob and Sara,
No words can express how sad we are for your loss. I knew your dad since high school. He was so very kind to everyone. That magnetic smile will last in my memory forever. Our son Jim spent so much time at your home with your dad and mom. He loved to be there. It was always fun for him. No one can replace a dad. Hold on to the great memories of growing up in Clarks Summit and know that we and all your friends are here for you and praying for you at this sad time.
March 24, 2017
We will always love you Joey. Lou and I talked to you almost every day. You and Louis were closer than most brothers..We already miss you our dear friend...Louis and Paula Consagra Jupiter Florida
Trish Heil
March 24, 2017
Dear Dave & Bob and family,
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your father. Prayers.
Barbie Henshaw
March 24, 2017
Solfanelli Family...
So sorry to hear of the loss of Joe...I've known him since we were high school age...he was a great personality and will be truly missed...please accept my sincere condolences.
My wonderful wife, Diane, and me
Jim Summers
March 24, 2017
Dear Family and Friends: I first met Joe in the eighth grade in 1959 and we have remained close friends since then. We spoke almost every day and I already very much miss his loving and caring friendship. He was a wonderful, brilliant man whom I loved so very much.
Gayle Parker
March 24, 2017
Seeing Joe's face and learning of his death, I cried. Joe was always kind and good to me, so I have lovely memories. Michael and I send our most sincere sympathy to his children and families. Joe was a "one-of-a-kind" man with many talents. He will never be forgotten.
Toni Alperin Goldberg
March 24, 2017
You weathered many challenges Joe. May the goodness within you reside always in your children and their children
Michael Lambert
March 24, 2017
Condolences to the entire family. I worked for Joe's Dad in the 60s for Big Chief grocery store in Green Ridge.
Joe Jr took me and my brother to our first yankee game and it was something you never forget. He was a very smart, kind person that will surely be missed.
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1030 N Main Ave, Scranton, PA 18508
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