Rosemary J. (Rekalitis) Matchko

In loving memory, we announce the passing of Mrs. Rosemary J. (Rekalitis) Matchko, 85; who left us peacefully early the morning of Thursday, September 4th while in the care of Third Avenue Health and Rehabilitation, Kingston; following a recent illness.

Born on Friday April 5, 1940 in Pittston, she was the last surviving of two daughters to the late John and Josephine Rekalitis. Educated in the Pittston schools, she was a 1958 graduate of the former Pittston High School.

She began her career in the area's former garment industry as a seamstress. Later she served many fruitful years in retail sales; showcasing her remarkable talents as a manager for the former McCrory Department Store in the Wyoming Valley Mall. Her unwavering dedication and warm spirit were known to both her colleagues and customers alike; creating lasting connections she cherished throughout the years.

In her spare time she enjoyed involvement in a local birthday club and card club; but she especially enjoyed her many trips to Atlantic City where she would try her luck at poker and slot machines. Mrs. Matchko is also well known for her culinary skills. Her family will miss the many dishes she created with love.

Mrs. Matchko is best remembered as being a loving, devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a beacon of love, motherly wisdom and kindness; embodying the true essence of family, which was the focal point of her life. She will be greatly missed by her husband, Mr. Joseph M. Matchko Sr., with whom she celebrated sixty-one years of married life together on June 12th. Also left to cherish her memory are her children, Mr. Joseph Matchko and his wife Joleen (Hvozdovic) Matchko of Parsons; Mr. Paul Matchko of Shavertown and Mrs. Rosemary Loftus along with her husband Andrew of Plains Township. Grandsons, Kevin Loftus, his fiancé Deidre Ide and her children Addie and Kenzie and Eric Loftus; Sister-in-law, Mrs. Barbara Keener of West Pittston; nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She bid farewell to her sister Mrs. Anna "Nancy" Jankoviak; brother-in-law, Mr. Charles Jankoviak and their daughter, her niece JoAnna (Jankoviak) Heath.

Per her previous request, visitation will be held privately and at the convenience of her family.

The John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc. of Wilkes-Barre is honored to care for Mrs. Matchko and her family at this time. Those wishing to share online words of comfort or a fond memory of Rosemary with her family are encouraged to do so here on her memorial page. Thank You.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rosemary J. (Rekalitis) Matchko, please visit our floral store.