Donahue Funeral Home

04/22/2024

Frank L. Burke, III

Frank L. Burke, III, “Burkey” 73 of Scranton passed away peacefully at home Friday April 19th. He and his loving wife, Mary Alice Boylan Burke, would have celebrated their 52nd anniversary in May. Born in Scranton he was the son of the late Frank L. Jr. and Jane Murray Burke, a member of St. Ann’s Parish and a graduate of Scranton Technical HS Class 0f 1968.

Frank, as a young man, worked for both the Scranton Times and Engraving and the Scranton Housing Authority until being chosen as a Firefighter where he served the City of Scranton for over 25 years, 21 of those on Rescue 1, retiring as a lieutenant. Frank was a proud member the International Association of Fire Fighters, local 60. He also bartended back the road for his dear friends P***y Diskin and Marty Judge. Deeply proud of his Irish heritage, he was a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the Irish Cultural Society, the A.O.H. O’Neil Brothers Minooka Chapter, the Minooka Notre Dame Club, and an original member of the Minooka Dukes.

Frank was a humorous straight-talking friend whose life touched many and his memory will live forever. In addition to his wife Mary Alice, Frank leaves behind his daughter Shannon Burke, who he always called his dolly; sisters Jane Burke and Ann Calpin; sister in law Anne Boylan and husband Dom Lanzo; brothers in law Michael and Frank Boylan; several nieces, nephews and cousins; his many brothers and sisters of the Scranton Fire Department and countless friends.

Frank was preceded in death by his son Frank L. Burke, IV and infant son Seamus Patrick; his parents and brothers in law Jimmy Calpin, Jim Fox and Paul Boylan.

Friends may call Tuesday 4 to 7 PM at the Donahue Funeral Home, 303 S Main Ave., Scranton [scrantonfuneralservices.com]. A Mass of Christian Burial with full Fire Service honors will be held on Wednesday at 11 AM at St Ann’s Basilica, 1250 St Ann’s St., Scranton. Those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to the church. Interment will follow immediately after the Mass in Cathedral Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be to the Frank L. Burke IV Memorial Fund of the Scranton Area Foundation, 615 Jefferson Avenue, #102, Scranton, PA 18510.

03/20/2024

Gus Samuel Catalano
March 16, 2024

Gus Catalano, 36, a resident of West Scranton, died Saturday, March 16, suffering from a broken heart.
Gus and his loving wife, best friend, and companion, Melinda who died February 7 th celebrated their 9th wedding
anniversary in October. Born in Scranton he was the beloved son of Gerard M. and Cindy Leo Catalano, Scranton.
Gus was a graduate of West Scranton High School, Class of 2007, Johnson School of Technology as a certified
diesel mechanic and later from Lackawanna College as a Nationally Registered Paramedic.
Gus loved EMS, his colleagues and his work as a Paramedic Supervisor and instructor at Pennsylvania Ambulance.
His coworkers were his family too, and he was blessed to have so many wonderful people working beside him who
have now come together to lean on each other with this tremendous loss.
Gus’s passion for EMS impacted countless lives over his career, and he was incredibly proud of all of his students
for their accomplishments and growth in their own careers. While many stories and memories have been shared
these past days about Gus’s magnetic personality, his signature “vapor-lock”, which was his unique and infectious
laugh, his legendary hugs, and the support he provided to so many individuals. Gus was incredibly humble never
wishing for recognition for any of his own accomplishments. Formally, he was recognized in 2013 with a Medical
Hero Award from The Red Cross for saving a baby in a storm drain and by Geisinger Health System as EMS
Outstanding Provider of the Year for Heroism. Informally, Gus’s professionalism and dedication over the years
leaves an impactful legacy.
Outside of work, Gus was an amateur photographer and he enjoyed capturing the local landscapes in every season.
He loved his dogs, including Gizmo who remains at home, and Shamrock and Clover who were waiting for Gus on
the other side of the rainbow bridge.
Gus is survived by his parents; brother and sister-in-law Gerard “Gerry” and Ashley Catalano, Nicholson; his Aunts
Mary Ellen Fontine, Scranton, Maria Stevens and her husband Robert, Tunkhannock, Josephine Leo and companion
Bob Tonkin, Scranton and Lisa Catalano, Wyomissing; Uncle Mike Catalano and his wife Patti, Jessup; cousins, and
his many many friends.
In addition to his wife Melinda Gus was preceded in death by his grandparents Samuel and Ruth Catalano and
Accursio and Francesca Leo, Aunt Ann Catalano and Uncles Paul Catalano and Pete Fontine.
The Funeral will be Thursday March 21 with full EMS honors at 5 PM at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street,
Scranton celebrated by Pastor Rev. Richard Fox. Internment will be at the family’s convenience. The family will
greet friends at the Church from 1 PM until the time of service at the Church.
The family extends a special thank you to Chris Taramelli, Dr. Louis DeNaples, Pennsylvania Ambulance, Scranton
Bureau of Fire, Scranton Police Department, Chinchilla Hose Company, Life Flight, EMS of Northeast PA and all
the EMS family for their assistance.
Arrangements entrusted to the Donahue Funeral Home, 303 South Main Avenue, Scranton, PA 18504. Please visit
the funeral homes website for additional information.

02/09/2024

Milinda Marie Catalano

February 7, 2024



Milinda Marie Martinelli Catalano, 33, a resident of West Scranton, died Wednesday, February 7, at Geisinger CMC after being stricken ill at work.



Milinda and her loving husband, best friend, and companion, Gus, celebrated their 9th wedding anniversary in October. Born in Scranton she was the daughter of Leonard and Rosanna Martinelli and Gloria Kovach Herrera.



Milinda graduated from Valley View High School, Class of 2009, and completed her education at McCann School of Business and Technology in 2011 becoming a trained and skillful message therapist. Milinda enjoyed her work and colleagues at Penn East Federal Credit Union where she was stricken ill, and she previously worked at Giant Food Stores in Dickson City.



Loving and caring soul Milinda was the best wife and friend to all including the animal kingdom. Her dogs Clover and Shamrock were her pride and joy, and she had a special interest in marine life.



Milinda left an unforgettable impression on everyone she met with her joyful and bubbly personality. She is fondly remembered by so many for her beaming smile and constant positivity in life, even when faced with difficult challenges. Her loss is felt deeply by all who knew her.



In addition to her husband, Gus, and her parents, Milinda is survived by her mother- and father-in-law, Cynthia and Gerard Catalano, Scranton; brother- and sister-in-law - and partners in crime - Gerry and Ashley Catalano, Nicholson; her half-brother, D.J. Herrera, Blakely; stepsister, Gina Torquato, Scranton; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and her many friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, an aunt, and uncles, including a special Uncle, Stevie Kovach.



The Funeral will be Saturday from the Donahue Funeral Home, 303 South Main Avenue, Scranton, PA 18504 with Services by St. Patrick’s Pastor Rev. Richard Fox at 2:00 PM at the Funeral Home with internment at the family’s convenience. The family will greet friends Saturday from 11 AM until the time of service at the Donahue Funeral Home.

10/30/2021

07/11/2021

03/18/2021

In Loving Memory of James (Gigi) Fox
Born July 15th 1949
Died March 13th 2021