Columbia Jiunta

Columbia Jiunta passed away peacefully at her home on July 16, 2022.

Born September 21, 1931 in Pittston she was a daughter of the late Salvatore and Carmella Guarnieri, Italian immigrants that settled in Pittston.

Columbia graduated from Pittston High School and Wilkes-Barre Business school and worked side-by-side with her husband at Jiunta's Pharmacy for over forty years, combining a home and work ethic as a career businesswoman and mother of three, long before it became the norm. Some that knew her close would say she more than managed the family business and did everything but fill the prescriptions.

Columbia was always there for her children and grandchildren and most recently was able to enjoy her three young great-grandchildren. Columbia had a rich life filled with many friends and managed to travel extensively at home and abroad. Until recently, she was still meeting with her few remaining high school friends quarterly and enjoying one of her favorite pastimes, going to the casino.

Her husband, James F. Jiunta, died on December 18, 2017. A grandson, Kris Pisarcik; brothers, Tom and Sam Guarnieri; and sister, Josephine Curatilo, also preceded her in death.

Her children, Dr. James Jiunta (Virginia), Dr. Thomas Jiunta (Mary), and Gail Pisarcik (Dr. Richard Frey); grandchildren, Dr. Justin Jiunta, Sarah Kalnoskas (Russ), Katie Aberg (Navid), Collin Jiunta, David Pisarcik, and Dr. Jordan Jiunta; great-grandchildren, Juliet Kalnoskas, Finn Kalnoskas, and Kamran Aberg; other family and friends, will miss her very much.

Celebration of Columbia's Life will be on Friday, July 22, 2022, with visitation beginning at 10:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 AM in the Church of Saint Nicholas, 226 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre.

Donations to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 53 Glenmaura National Blvd., Suite 120, Moosic, Pa. 18507, are preferred and will honor Columbia's memory.

Share memories and condolences with Columbia's family at mjmclaughlin.com