Joseph Bianca, 89, of Scranton, died Friday at the Gino Merli Veterans Center. His wife of 68 years is Eleanor Sokolowski Bianca. Born in Scranton, son of the late Joseph Jr. and Caroline Gelmini Bianca, he was a proud United States Marine who served in Korea and was a resident at Gino Merli for four years. Joseph was a tackle for the West Scranton Invaders football team and was an avid Steelers fan. Also surviving are two daughters, Debbie Halvorsen and husband, Pat, Pittstown N.J.; and Linda Ricker and husband, Paul; two grandsons, Brian (Champ) Halvorsen and wife, Shelly, Pittstown N.J.; and J.J. Bianca, Scranton; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Roselyn Spinelli and Rose Carlucci; and a brother, Ferdinand Bianca. The family would like to thank the Gino Merli Veteran Center and Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their outstanding care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11 a.m. in St. Paul’s Church, Penn Avenue, Scranton. Entombment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Friends may call at the Church from 10 to 10:50 a.m. Arrangements by McGoff-Hughes Funeral Home Inc, 1401 Capouse Ave., Scranton.

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