Esther Louise "Essie" (Iacaruso) Wilfong

WILFONG – Esther Louise “Essie” (Iacaruso), 96, of Johnstown, passed away peacefully at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center on November 20, 2022. Born February 9, 1926, the daughter of Vincent and Vincenza Iacaruso. Preceded in death by her loving husband of 75 years, Donald “Jack” Wilfong, Sr., who passed away November 18, 2021; her parents; brothers, John Iacaruso, Anthony Iacaruso, and Eugene Iacaruso; sister, Mary Thomas; brothers-in-law, Raymond Cushman, John Truscello, Steven Thomas and Brennis “Lefty” Wilfong; sisters-in-law, Mildred (Brilhart) Wilfong and Catherine (Peddicord) Iacaruso; grandson, David Maola.  Survived by children, Darlene (Michael) Howrylak, Dr. Donald John Wilfong, Jr. (Dr. Donamarie), Jacqueline Spory (Joseph Sansone), and Denise (Walter) Atkins. Essie’s grandchildren include Heather (Thomas) Newcomer, Jared (Courtney) Howrylak, Allison Maola, Garrett Spory, Dr. Joshua Wilfong (Dr. Amy Bagatto), Dr. Jordan Wilfong (Dr. Jeanelle Sears), Jacob Wilfong, David (Amy) Atkins and Craig (Trish) Atkins.  She is survived by 15 amazing great-grandchildren, Sam and Lily Newcomer, Jaxon Howrylak, John David and Eleanor Maola, Lucy and Max Wilfong, Moses and Mick Wilfong, Connor, Blake and Jayden Atkins and Cole, Brooks and Drew Atkins.  Also survived by sisters, Theresa Cushman, Shirley Truscello, Betty Jean (Frank) Albacete, brother Robert (Barbara) Iacaruso and sister-in-law Carol (Miller) Iacaruso. Essie was a 1944 graduate of Johnstown High School.  She worked at Sears as the manager of the Children’s Department for many years and later retired from Metropolitan Life Insurance.  Member of the Retired Men’s Club and Italian Sons and Daughters of America and a Girl Scout Leader.  She enjoyed many things in life, such as candy making, crafts, sewing, playing cards, parades and fireworks, to name a few. Essie loved to socialize, walk the Galleria, shop for deals and work the voting polls.  She was determined and smart and there was nothing she couldn’t tackle from designing and sewing a wedding gown and prom dresses, making homemade raviolis, Christmas cookies and bunny cakes.  Her family was in awe of her intelligence and desire to learn and adapt, such as her mastering social media to stay up to date with her grandchildren and current events.  Her love of family was immense, and she enjoyed hosting the whole family at her house every Sunday.  She was most proud of being Grandma Essie who spent endless hours with her grandchildren never missing a sporting event, school activity or party.  Family and friends will be received Friday, November 25, 2022 from 2-7 p.m. at the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home, Inc., 710 Broad Street. Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2022 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 609 Park Avenue, the Very Rev. Matthew B. Baum officiating.  Committal at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Richland.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Patrick Church in Moxham or a charity of your choice.  

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