James A. “Goose” Ciali Sr, 71, of West Pittston, passed away Friday evening August 4th, 2023 in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Twp., surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Pittston, he was a son of the late James and Helen Michalek Ciali and was a graduate of St. John’s High School. Jimmy was a member of Corpus Christi Parish (Immaculate Conception Church), West Pittston.
Back in high school his weekends were spent playing the drums in “The Rubber Band” circa 1968. His cooking career started around the same time at the Main Diner, Exeter. In 1984, he opened a small neighborhood bar, Cheers Café, which he worked for 39 years. Many friendships grew, celebrations and good times were had there. It truly was a place where “everyone knew your name” and Jim remembered them all.
Goose was a die-hard Steelers fan who enjoyed many a football weekends in Pittsburgh with the guys. He looked forward to planting a garden especially those “HOT PEPPERS”. He relaxed watching football, Turner classics, the Three Stooges, and listening to the oldies.
He will always be James Ciali Sr, Jim, or Goose, but to Cassie and Cory Lescavage he will always be “Goosie”.
Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years the former Lois Parente, sons, James Jr. and his wife Sharonlee Ciali of West Pittston, John Ciali, West Pittston, sister, Gloria Linko, Wyoming, brother, Michael Ciali and is wife Denise, Exeter, cousins, nieces and many friends. Jim also welcomed into his extended family step grandson, John Muscovitch and step great grandson, Aaron Muscovitch.
From his family, a heartfelt thank you to the Doctors, Nurses, at the Henry Cancer Center at Giesinger Wyoming Valley for their compassionate care and kindness to Jim. To Monsignor John Sempa, who was always there for Jim and his family. His words were always comforting. Thank you.
Relatives and friends and invited to attend a viewing for Jim on Wednesday August 9th, 2023 from 9:30am. until 11am. in Corpus Christi Parish (Immaculate Conception Church) 605 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am with Monsignor John Sempa as the celebrant. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers may be made in Jims’s name to the social concern at Corpus Christi Parish at 605 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston, Pa 18643.
Online condolences can be left at our website at Howelllussi.com.
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