James M. Desiderio, Jr.

James M. Desiderio, Jr., 52, of Wilkes-Barre Twp., passed away Saturday morning December 4, 2010, at Hospice Community Care Geisinger, South Wilkes-Barre, after a courageous 4 year battle with Multiple-myloma.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, June 7, 1958, he was the son of Elizabeth (Cecere) and the late James M. Desiderio. He was educated in Wilkes Barre schools and was a graduate of E. L. Meyers High School class of 1977. He attended Luzerne County Community College and was a graduate of Miami Dade College, Miami, FL where he received his degree in Mortuary Science. He was a member of St. Aloysius RC Church, Wilkes Barre. James was the owner/operator of Piszczek-Desiderio Funeral Home, Inc. and Health Officer of Hanover Township for many years. He was also employed by Desiderio Construction, Inc. for many years. He was a Luzerne County Deputy Coroner for 25 years; a licensed Funeral Director for 27 years and past President of Luzerne County Funeral Directors’ Association. He was a PIAA Wrestling referee for 25 years and past wrestling coach for Wilkes-Barre Area and Pittston Area School Districts. He was on the YMCA Board of Directors for over 10 years; past President of Saint Aloysius Holy Name Society and their Ushers’ Club. He was a member of Wyoming Valley Country Club, Plymouth Council 956 Knights of Columbus; the Bishop William J. Hafey 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Wilkes-Barre; and the Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club. Desi was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, attending countless motorcycle benefits, especially the SPCA Bike Benefit Run which was closest to his heart.

He was a devoted Buffalo Bills fan and season ticket holder for years. He rarely missed Daytona Bike Week or Biketoberfest in Daytona accompanied by his closest friends and brother. They would pack up his motorhome and load the bikes in the trailer and drive straight-thru so as not to miss any festivities and get a good seat at the Broken Spoke or The Iron Horse Saloon. Desi had a magnetic personality and touched many people in a special way. His soft voice and comforting smile will be forever remembered. He truly made an impression on many.

He was preceded in death by his father, James M. Desiderio in 1999.

Survivors, in addition to his mother Elizabeth (Cecere) Desiderio are his brothers, Martin and his wife Roseanne, Wilkes-Barre; Sam, Mountaintop; Michael and his wife Michelle, Wilkes-Barre; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at St. Aloysius RC Church, Wilkes-Barre with a mass of Christian burial at 11 am. Entombment at Saint Mary’s Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday 10 am until time of service at the church.

At Jimmy’s request, no flowers will be accepted. Memorial donations can be made in his memory to the SPCA of Wyoming Valley, located on Fox Hill Road, Plains, PA.

Enjoy the ride in Heaven and keep your shiny side up.

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