Salvatore V. Tortora, age 71, of Masthope, Lackawaxen died Monday, July 22, 2024, at Geisinger-Community Medical Center, Scranton. He is survived by his wife, Edith Ella (Compitello) Tortora; his daughter, Suzanne Conkling of Beach Lake; and his grandson, William Conkling.

The following is Sal's obituary in his own words.

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When Edie and I sat down to do our estate plans I gave some thought to the obituary part and decided I wanted to write my own. Now some might find that morbid, but I am not fond of the usual timeline method and I really never accomplished anything noteworthy.

My truth lies in my family, those who gave me life and love, raised me to the best of their abilities even though they are long gone, I thank them every day.

My life partner, best friend and wife-Edie (we made it to the 50th anniversary), and boy did she tolerate a lot and still love me for all those years. Together we created our beautiful, loving, gracious, sarcastic, witty & smart, daughter Suzanne, boy is that a mouthful, but true. In due time, she in turn gifted us with a wonderful son-in-law, Don and his son Erik, and added to their family by endowing us with William. Both boys are the light of our eyes. If this is an ordinary life I will take it, because nothing mattered more than my family and I was extraordinarily lucky to have them in my life.

The truth is I tried to do my best --there were many mountains, hills & bumps in my road and I learned from all of them. For those who shared some of my journeys I am deeply grateful & I love you for it.

All I ask is if you think of me and would like to do something in my memory, please take the time to tell someone what a positive effect they had on your- life.

Edie always made me stop at lemonade stands run by kids and tell me to praise their product to make their day. She also had the habit of asking me to stop the car if there was something in the road in danger of being run over - think turtles! She was right, these things do matter! The other things that really matter are these:

If you smoke -QUIT!

If you drink & drive-STOP!

To those who loved me, helped, supported, shared meals, BBQs, vacations, holidays, ups & downs--know that I will never forget you. There is a lot of history there and I consider myself a very rich man. All-in-all I had my health, family & friends and it was a wonderful journey.

This was written with love, gratitude & appreciation for all of you! I am sure we will meet again. Especially, you my love!

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The Celebration of Sal's Life will be held from 3 to 5 PM on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Teeters' East Chapel, 507 Church St, Hawley. There will be a brief Memorial Service beginning at 5 PM officiated by Rev. Rebecca L. Holland of Hawley United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org or Boys Town, PO Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010, boystown.org