Patrick J. Criscera, 97, of Carbondale, PA, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at Creekside Health and Rehab Center, Carbondale. His is survived by his wife of 66 years the former Margaret Fofi. Born in Carbondale, PA, son of the late Paul and Frances Crisalli Criscera. In his early years, he was a milkman, delivering door to door. This is where he would meet his wife, Margaret. He later worked at Triangle Pacific in Carbondale, until he retired. He was a WWII veteran, where he served with the 44th Infantry Division in Europe from 1943-1945. He received the Purple Heart after being wounded in combat during a battle in Germany's Black Forest. His actions would be recognized nearly 70 years later, when he received the French Legion's Medal of Honor in 2014. This award was given to United States veterans by the French Embassy for fighting in one of the four major battles that liberated the country from the Nazi regime. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Carbondale. Some of Patrick's favorite things included: gardening, spaghetti on Sundays. flying his Italian and American flags on his front porch, watching Penn State football, and reading the paper with his wife. He is survived by three children: Paul Criscera and wife Roxanne of Carbondale, PA, Patrick Criscera and wife Michelle of Browndale, PA and Margaret Olsewski and husband Joe of Carbondale, PA; six grandchildren: Lisa Criscera, Christopher Criscera, Alicia Clark, Rachelle Criscera, Nora Olsewski and Maura Olsewski; 4 great grandchildren: Abbigale Clark, Natalya Clark, William Clark and Tessa Grace Criscera; several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a brother: Anthony Criscera; a sister: Catheine Mordoe. The funeral was held Monday, August 15, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. from the Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Farview and 41st Streets, Carbondale, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 15 Fallbrook Street, Carbondale, celebrated by Rev. James Price, C.P., pastor. Interment with military honors, parish cemetery, Carbondale. Pallbearers: Christopher Criscera, John Ruddy, Nicholas Parga, Keith Clark, James Conorton and William Olsewski. Friends called Sunday, August 14, 2106 from 4-7 p.m. Visitation at Funeral Home 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Sunday, August 14, 2016 Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 89 Farview Street Carbondale, Pennsylvania, United States 18407 Funeral Service 9:30 am Monday, August 15, 2016 Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Church 15 Fallbrook Street Carbondale, Pennsylvania, United States 18407 Final Resting Place Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Cemetery Fallbrook Road Carbondale, Pennsylvania, United States 18407