IRENE BITONTI

Irene Elizabeth Bitonti, of Wilkes-Barre, PA, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love and presence of her family, on Saturday, August 2nd.

Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, she was the beloved daughter of the late Irene (Nemkavitch) and Joseph Benish. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her devoted husband Joseph Bitonti, and her cherished grandson Aidan Garrett Bitonti.

A graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School, class of 1957, Irene began working at the young age of 15 at Melody Shoe Factory. She later joined Eberhard Faber, where she worked until her marriage. On June 9th, 1962, Irene married the love of her life, Joseph. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family. She was a nurturing and selfless mother to their four children and a deeply adored grandmother to three grandchildren. While raising her family, Irene worked in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District cafeteria, where she became lovingly known as “Mom” to many students. Later, she served over 25 years at Leader West Nursing Facility as a senior nurse’s aide. Her gentle touch, kind heart, and ever-present smile brought comfort and care to so many. Faith and community were central to Irene’s life. A lifelong member of Holy Rosary Parish and later St. Benedict's, she was also active in the Sacred Heart Society. Her dedication extended to her children’s schools and activities—she was a longtime supporter of the Mayflower Little League, holding roles such as Treasurer, Vice President, and President. She was active in the PTO at Dana and Dodson Elementary Schools and was always the first to volunteer as a chaperone or organizer of school trips and community outings.

Irene had a remarkable gift for making people feel at home. She found great joy in cooking and baking, especially during the holidays, when her homemade candies—fondly known as “Mrs. B’s Candies”—were treasured treats. Embracing her Lithuanian and Slovakian heritage, she passed down family recipes and traditions with love. She also enjoyed ceramics, reading, bingo, and watching football.

Known affectionately as “Tiggy,” Irene was more than a mother and grandmother—she was the heart of her family. A sweet, thoughtful, and caring soul, she greeted everyone with warmth and treated every person she met as a friend. Her presence brought light into the lives of those around her, and her memory will continue to do so.

Irene is survived by her loving children: Ann Marie Andes (James) of Wilkes-Barre; Brenda Bitonti of Wilkes-Barre; Anthony Bitonti (Ellen) of Woodbridge, Virginia; and Louis Bitonti of Plains. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren: Mia Bailey of Wilkes-Barre, and Louis and Ethan Bitonti of Virginia. She is also survived by her sister, Elaine Gianuzzi of Yardley, PA, and her brother, Joseph Benish of Harrisburg, PA, along with several nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Funeral service will be conducted on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 10:30 from the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. 689 Hazle Ave. Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 am in St. Leo the Great Church, 33 Manhattan St. Ashley.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday morning from 9:00 am until time of service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Irene’s memory to Hospice of the Sacred Heart or the S.P.C.A.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their compassionate care during Irene’s final days. Her love lives on in every life she touched.

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