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August 30, 2009
Frederick L. Barletta, 75, Hazleton, passed away Sunday morning, August 30, 2009, at Hazleton General Hospital following a brief illness.
Born Oct. 19, 1933, he was a son of the late Anthony and Angeline (Fallabel) Barletta and resided in Hazleton his entire life.
Fred dedicated much of his life to civic and community involvement and along with his family was instrumental in the development of several prominent area businesses. He served 12 years as a member of the Hazleton Area School Board, spending four consecutive years as board president, the longest tenure of any president in HASD history.
He served as a member of the Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18 Board and was a member of the Hazleton Area School Authority. He was a former board member and chairman of the Greater Hazleton Joint Sewer Authority. He served as a trustee of the former Hazleton State Hospital.
He also served as a Democratic Committeeman for the City of Hazleton. His community involvement spanned more than 50 years, including currently serving as a board member of the following organizations: CAN DO Inc., United Rehabilitation Services Inc., Anthracite Automobile Association and the Hazleton Rotary Club.
He formally served as a member of the board of directors of First Federal Bank and as a board member of Security Savings Association. He also was a past board member of the following organizations: Hazleton Area Public Library, Hazleton Area Red Cross, Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, Hazleton Sports Federation and the Hazleton Jaycees.
He was affiliated with Hazleton Little League Baseball for 27 years, Hazleton City Recreation Board and the Hazleton Area Softball League. He was a lifelong member of Holy Rosary Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and Usher.
In addition, he was a member of the L.J. Ferdinand Men of Malvern Retreat League for 42 years. Fred, along with his brothers, was founder and co-owner of Edgewood In the Pines Golf Course and Restaurant, where he served as CEO and President for six years. He and his family were founders and co-owners of Angela Park Inc. He was a partner in A. Barletta and Sons Inc., serving as the Supervisor of the Nescopeck Mining and Quarry operations for 42 years. He was also co-owner of Barletta Heating Oil Co. and Triangle Trucking Co.
An avid sports fan, he will always be remembered for his passionate devotion to the Boston Red Sox who attended nearly 100 games at Fenway Park. He valued family life and his Catholic faith, and he will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, pop-pop and friend who will be sadly missed by his loving family.
He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Angela, and the following brothers: Frank, Rocco, Jay, Joseph, Maurice and John; and a sister, Anna DePierro. He is survived by his loving wife, Monica Patanovich Barletta, with whom he would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on Sept. 5.
Also surviving are his sons, Fred Jr. and his wife, Paula, Hazleton; David and his wife, Lisa, Naperville, Ill.; and Timmy and his wife, Michele, Hazleton; seven grandchildren, Shawn, Samantha, Olivia, Angela, Matthew, David and Daniel, a sister, Mrs. Sam (Rose) Farnell; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held from the Fierro Funeral Home, West 2nd St., Hazleton, Thursday at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be con-celebrated at 10 at Holy Rosary Church, South Poplar Street, Hazleton. Entombment will be at the family mausoleum, St. Gabriel’s Cemetery, Hazleton.
Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday, from 6 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations for establishing a scholarship fund for athletics at Hazleton Area High School.