Attorney James Anthony Sposito, 80, of Crystal Lake, PA, passed away Friday, July 7, 2023 peacefully and gracefully at Gino Merli Veterans Center, Scranton, PA, in the care of Hospice of the Sacred Heart surrounded by many friends who were like family.

Born in Carbondale, PA, he was the son of the late Anthony "Shabake" and Hortense Talarico Sposito and was a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, Carbondale. He served in the U.S. Army and was a disabled veteran. Jim graduated from the University of Scranton with a bachelor's degree in Social Science and Marywood College where he received a master's degree in special education. He began his career as a teacher and was later employed as a speech therapist for N.E.I.U. in several Susquehanna County school districts. While teaching he was a member of the Northeastern and Pennsylvania State Education Associations.

He later worked as a legal researcher for several area attorneys and served as an administrative aide to state Rep. Frank Serafini. Jim graduated from Strasburg University School of Law, Strasburg, France, with a degree in comparative international law and George Mason University School of Law, Arlington, VA. Upon completion of his bar exam in 1981, he was a practicing attorney until his retirement, having offices in Scranton and Crystal Lake. Attorney Sposito was licensed in both Pennsylvania and Federal courts. He was a member of the Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Pennsylvania Bar associations along with the American and Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Associations.

Attorney Sposito owned multiple businesses which included, Spanky's, Cowboy Joes Chicago Dogs, Sposito Realty, Spo-Jac and Ultima II. He was a licensed real estate broker and appraiser, member of the Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker's Association and a licensed insurance broker. At one time, he served on the State Board of Mediators and Arbitrators and was a supporter and legal counsel to the Scranton Miners.

Jim was a member of the Elkview Country Club, Dallas Lions Club, Hillside Hunting Club and American Legion Post 221, Carbondale. It is at this club you would find him telling life stories of having had lunch with the queen of England after graduation of International Law, his collection of Antique cars, hunting, fishing and the days of the good ole' boys. He recently donated nearly 70 acres to the Countryside Conservancy land protection project. This land which borders Merli Sarnoski Park protects it from future development and is dedicated to the memory of his father and four of his uncles who all became "Breaker Boys" at a very young age. This land will be acknowledged as the Sposito Preserve with a dedication wall in its memory.

We would like to thank the nursing and medical staff at Gino Merli who took such great care of our friend Jim at his most vulnerable moments. Special thanks to the staff of Second floor South and all the departments who integrated his care including social worker, Sylvia Isaac. Also, a special thank you to the staff of Hospice of the Sacred Heart who displayed such compassion to Jim in his time of need. Rest easy my friend.

He is survived by his daughter: Angelina "Angela" Sposito, of St. Petersburg, FL; three grandchildren: Nicole Sposito-Pittack of Mayfield, PA, Akasha Rose and Ayla Lucia, both of St. Petersburg, FL; cousins: Kenny Esposito, South Carolina and Susan Esposito of New Jersey; along with many others cousins.

He was also preceded in death by his son: James P. Sposito; and his sister: Darlene Sposito.

A Mass of Christian burial was held Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 15 Fallbrook Street, Carbondale, PA, celebrated by Rev. Seth Wasnock, pastor. Friends called from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the church. Entombment with military honors followed at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Township, PA.

Arrangements by Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Carbondale, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donation were made to the Gino Merli Veterans Center, 401 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503