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Obituary
Margaret “Margie” (DeLucca) Matteo, of Hazleton, passed away on November 25th at home after a lengthy struggle with multiple sclerosis. Born in Hazleton on November 29, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Mauro and Margaret DeLucca.
She graduated from Bishop Hafey High School in 1974 and received the Who’s Who Award for the Society of American High School Students twice while in high school. She graduated from Susquehanna University in 1978 with degrees in sociology, psychology, & music. While at Susquehanna, she received the Who’s Who Award Among American Universities & Colleges and was the President of the Sigma Kappa Sorority, Epsilon Delta chapter.
Margie spent her life enhancing the lives of others. She started her career as Director of Hazleton’s Buddy Program, matching volunteers with children in need, cultivating meaningful relationships, and having lasting effects on the lives of both the adults and children. She was the Director of Hazleton’s Blind Association, focusing on early intervention of eye disease in children & positively impacting the lives of those with visual impairments. As the Director of Outpatient Counseling at Serento Gardens, she assisted adults battling drug & alcohol addictions. As the Director of Volunteer Services at Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Hazleton General Hospital, she connected young adults with patients, offering comfort and companionship. She worked as an instructor at YMCA’s Afterschool Program, providing safety, supervision, and helping children improve their social skills. Finally, she was an Academic Advisor at Luzerne County Community College, and guided students in selecting their career paths.
Margie always had a love of music and shared her talents playing the guitar and singing at wedding ceremonies. She also taught guitar chords and strumming patterns. She was an active member of the Hazleton Philharmonic Orchestra and traveled with the group to Romania to perform.
Margie’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her family & friends. She was an excellent party planner, a generous, compassionate & hardworking person, and a devoted wife, mother and ‘mom mom’. She will be greatly missed.
Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her sister-in-law Roseann DeSpirito; brother-in-law & sister-in-law Maurice & Carmella Umbriac; and her furry friend ‘Max’.
Surviving are her devoted husband Michael; beloved children, son Michael-John Matteo and his wife Dr. Lindsay Newcomb, Katonah, NY; daughter Marcella and her husband Jordan Legath, Townsend, DE; cherished grandchildren Duncan & Wyatt Matteo and Lillian Legath; sister Theresa Spagnola, Hazleton; sister Donna and her husband Robert Inverso, Greenacres, FL; brother-in-law & sister-in-law Ron & Donna Hill, Dillsburg, PA; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her furry friend ‘Beau’ who was always by her side.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Maylath Hospice for their professionalism, kindness, and compassion.
Margie’s wish is for people to respect one another and to do an act of kindness for someone. As per Margie’s request, no funeral service will be held. The Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton is in charge of the arrangements. -
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