James V. Musto, 90, of Jenkins Twp., passed away on Friday morning, March 10, 2023. He and his wife, Ruth Piragas Musto, celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on September 24, 2022.
Born in Pittston, he was a son of the late Anthony, Sr. and Carmella Lepore Musto. Jimmy was a graduate of Jenkins Township High School and Penn State University, where he earned an Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering. He was an Army veteran, having served with the 101st Airborne during the Korean War. Prior to retirement, he was employed by Certain Teed, Mountain Top.
Throughout his life, he was an active member of the Jenkins Twp. Fire Co., Jenkins Twp. Little League and the Jenkins Twp. Senior Citizens. Over 40 years, he spent many days coaching and mentoring generations of baseball players while helping to maintain the ball fields. He was well known for his clam chowder at the September meeting of Senior Citizens.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends watching his beloved Penn State Nittany Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Phillies, enjoying his homemade wine, and playing cards.
Whenever there was beautiful weather, he would go on his adventures around the neighborhood with his bicycle and visit his friends along the way. With his passion for winemaking, his last stop before heading home was at his dear friend Vito's winery in Jenkins Twp. In addition to winemaking, he was an avid gardener providing vegetables to anyone who wanted them.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Oncology department at the VA Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre and to Erwine Hospice, Kingston, for their compassionate care given to James and his family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Sandra Yakovich and husband, Jack, Pittsburgh; Karen Pirrella and husband, Tony, Hughestown; James Musto and wife, Lisa, Jenkins Twp., Thomas Musto, Los Angeles; Linda Musto and wife, Karen Schuler, Bayville; grandchildren, Nicole Yakovich, Max Polinski, Nicole Pirrella, Mat Musto, Julie Longnecker, T.J. Musto and June Musto; great grandsons, Aiden, Carter, Midnight and Morrissey; sister, Mary Dente, Jenkins Twp.; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Guidon Musto and Anthony Musto, Jr.
A Blessing Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 17, 2023, in Baloga Funeral Home Inc., 1201 Main St., Pittston (Port Griffith). Interment will be private at the convenience of the family in St. Casimir's Cemetery, Pittston.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects during a celebration of James's life on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Candy's Place 190 Welles Street, Suite 166, Forty Fort, PA 18704. https://www.cancerwellnessnepa.org