Diana M. (Craparo) Junior

Diana Maria Junior, Highlands, Archbald, and formerly of Forest City, passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Regional Hospital, Scranton. She was the Librarian of Forest City Branch Library for 33 years. She and her husband, Andrew , marked their 60th wedding anniversary on July 21st.

She was the daughter of the late James and Eva (Branca) Craparo. Her father was born in Italy and came here when he was 13. He worked in the mines, learned English and became a citizen. He then worked for Endicott Johnson Shoe Company as a cobbler. He died Jan. 1, 1995. Her mother was born and raised in Forest City. She was a housewife and mother and also worked as garment inspector in a local dress factory. She died Dec. 4, 1990.

She graduated in 1960 from Forest City High School and worked for Endicott Johnson Shipping Terminal in Johnson City as secretary and shipping expediter. She lived in Endwell, NY, until 1962 when she married Andrew Junior.

She attended North Hampton Community College for its at-home program and received a Specialized Diploma in Library Assistant, Children’s Literature and Library Management. She became Librarian at the Forest City Branch Library Nov. 16, 1987, and attended workshops and library management seminars in her position at the Library. She attended computer science classes at Mountain View School and the Scranton Public Library. She served a term on the Scranton District Executive Council at the Scranton Public Library.

She was a member of the Forest City Area Ambulance Assoc. and was a certified EMT 1, having served on an ambulance crew with her husband, Andy, for a number of years.

She was active in the Roman Catholic Community of Forest City and Ascension parish for most of her life. She was a member of the Altar & Rosary Society, and served as a CCD teacher, Eucharistic Minister and brought the Eucharist to the home bound. She was a member of the Parish Council and belonged to the Called to Holiness Program. She was honored by the Faith in Action Program at Marian Community Hospital.

In 2009 her hometown conferred its highest honor, the Distinguished Citizen Award, to her for providing her invaluable service as librarian to the community and area, as well as her dedication to many community organizations. The award committee stated: Her friendly, caring personality is the reason the community is proud to have her in our community and is honored to confer this award on her.”

She retired in 2020 as librarian due to her health. They then moved to The Highlands due to her health conditions. Their son, Glenn, who resides with them, is the manager of the restaurants at The Highlands, Archbald. She is also survivied by a sister, Dolores Hydock, who resides in Carbondale.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 10:30am in St. Joseph's Church, Forest City celebrated by Rev. Joseph Sitko and concelebrated by Rev. Brian Clarke. Interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Viewing will be Sunday from 4 to 7pm at the Kevin M. Lesjack Funeral Home, 513 Main Street, Forest City.

Memorial Contributions can be made in Diana's name to the Forest City Branch Library, 531 N Main St 1st floor, Forest City.

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