In Memory

Kathryn DeGregorio (Pakuta) - Class Of 1958

RIP  December 5, 2020

Kathryn Vincenza Pakuta

 

Kathryn Vincenza Pakuta

October 6, 1940 - December 5, 2020

 

Kathryn Vincenza DeGregorio Pakuta, 80, passed away Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, at Nottingham Village, Northumberland.

Katie was born Oct. 6, 1940, to Sebastian Sr. and Kathryn (Curley) DeGregorio in Pittston, where her parents owned a hardware store. Katie was the next-youngest of five children with brother, Sebastian Jr. and sisters, Judy, Juan and Mary Noel. The family later moved to Danville, where they owned and managed The Riverview Hotel.

Katie graduated from St. Cyril's Academy in Danville and The Lackawanna Business School. She married the love of her life, William V. Pakuta Jr. on April 8, 1961. Katie and Billy were married for 47 loving years and lived in Sunbury, where they later owned Katie's Kleeners.

Katie was well known for her culinary delights, hospitality, warm hugs and endless enthusiasm. She had a fierce love for her daughter, Helen and son, William "Bill" V. Pakuta III. Active in the community, she served as chairwoman of the Board of the Degenstein Foundation for many years. Katie volunteered for the Red Cross, was as a teacher's aid for Shikellamy School District, belonged to the Elks Club and Geisinger Ladies Auxiliary. Katie loved playing mahjong and hosting parties.

Katie is survived by her daughter, Helen Pakuta Pursel and husband Scott Pursel of Delta, Pa., their children and grandchildren; and her son, William "Bill" V. III, of Cammal, Pa. She is also survived by her loving sister, Mary Noel "Skipper" Jordan of Lebanon, Pa. Katie loved her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. Special devotion was paid to Katie by niece Kathy Gold and her husband John, of Danville.

Words cannot express the void Katie Pakuta will leave in many lives, but her warmth, welcoming spirit, support to those in need and enduring love for her family will live on.

A funeral mass will take place at St. Monica's Church in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Monica's Catholic Church, 109 Market St., Sunbury, PA. 17801.

Published on December 7, 2020