Paul "Crash" Criscera, 71, of Greenfield Township, PA, died Monday, July 17, 2023 surrounded by his family at Regional Hospital, Scranton, after an extended illness. He is survived by his wife, the former Roxanne Jerry. They were married on July 10, 1976.

Born January 5, 1952 in Carbondale, PA, he is the son of Margaret Fofi Criscera of Carbondale, and the late Patrick J. Criscera.

Paul was a 1969 graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, Carbondale, and later enlisted with the 109th Infantry Regiment of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard for 38 years. In 2011 he retired as Sergeant First Class. While being a part of the Army National Guard, he served his unit as a Federal Technician at the O.M.S. #25 in Carbondale, for 25 years.

He was a member of the Carbondale Lions Club and the Coal Cracker Cruisers Car Club. Paul was proud of his 1964 Chrysler 300K convertible and enjoyed attending car shows. He was an enthusiastic New York Yankees fan and spent many hours tending to his garden. Paul found enjoyment as an avid coin and model train collector. During his illness, he liked to watch old television programs, especially westerns. His family will have fond memories of him making his famous Paulie's pizza every Friday night.

He is also survived by two daughters: Lisa Marie Conarton and husband, James of Hammondsport, NY and Rachelle Criscera of Greenfield Township, PA; one grandson: James Paul "J.P." Conarton; one sister: Margaret Olsweski and husband, Joseph of Fell Township, PA; one brother: Patrick Criscera and wife, Michelle of Browndale, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

A blessing service with military honors was held Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. from Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 89 Farview Street, Carbondale, PA.

Friends called Friday, July 21, 2023 from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday, July 22, 2023 from 10-11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions were sent in Paul's name to the Gino Merli Veterans Center, 401 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503.