ARLENE THOMPSON

ARLENE MARY ROCCOGRANDI THOMPSON

August 18th, 1964 - April 18, 2023

On April 18th, 2023 Arlene Mary Roccograndi Thompson, 58, of Mountain Top, Pennsylvania joined her husband, Raymond Daniel Thompson (12/05/2015), in enteral bliss and rest in the glorious hope and promise of our Lord’s resurrection.

She was preceded in death by her father, Anthony G. Roccograndi (05/03/1998), and father-in-law, Thomas Thompson (04/07/2013), grandfather, James Roccograndi, Sr. (04/20/1992), grandmother, Mary C. Roccograndi (03/24/1997), grandmother, Mary L. Vitkowski (10/29/2022), aunt, Patricia M. Thomas (08/20/2001), uncle, James A. Roccograndi (05/31/2022), aunt, Claire P. Roccograndi (05/26/2019), sister-in-law, Patricia “Patty” D. Thompson (08/07/2001), brother-in-law, Robert “Bobby” J. Fedkenheuer (10/25/2011), niece Danielle L. Fedkenheuer (11/23/2007), grandmother-in-law Clara T. Manzi (05/21/2021), and many other relatives.

She is survived by her mother, Marlene M. Vitkowski Roccograndi, and mother-in-law, Bertha Thompson; by her children, Timothy A. Thompson, Angela D. McBride and partner Tyler McBride, Raymond D. Thompson, Jr. and partner Michael D. Miller II, Desiree M. Brown and partner Kevin Brown, Casattie Marie Roccograndi, and Alexis Jasmine Arlene Smith and partner Nate Hatalski; by her siblings, Anthony G. Roccograndi, Jr. and partner Christina, James Roccograndi and partner Deborah, and Angel M. Roccograndi; by her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Thomas Thompson, Jr. and partner April, Michael Fedkenheuer and partner Casey, and Nicé Fedkenheuer; by her grandchildren, Eric Raymond, Marquis, Rylan, Reef Raymond, and Travis; by nieces and nephews, Jillian, James, Kristopher, Anthony, Siena, Isabella, Sage, Alexandria, Joshua, Kara, Rochelle, Jade, Dreena, Bliss Ann, and Sky; by great- nieces and nephews, Sommer, Quincy, Desmond Robert, Ricky, Giana, Akeira, Jacob, Dominic, Lai, Jocelyn, Alijah, and Hayley, among others; by her aunts and uncles, Benjamin Vitkowski and partner Ruthie, Steve “Butch” Roccograndi and partner Ruth Ann, Robert Roccograndi, and MaryAnn Roccograndi.

Arlene’s life story began in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania where she was born on August 18th, 1964, at Nesbitt Memorial Hospital in Kingston to the grandchildren of Polish and Italian immigrants who sought a better life for their family and descendants in America. She attended high school at West Side Vocational Technical School in Pringle where she was a member of the cheerleading squad and swimming team. From an early age, her parents instilled in Arlene a love for family, and from those values, she would come to desire most out of life simply to be a mother. She loved caring for the many animals she had growing up as a child and in adulthood would continue that love by welcoming the various furry, scaled, feathered, and tailed “babies” into her home.

When she was in high school, she dreamt of the possibilities of careers as a veterinary technician and beautician, but life would call her to another vocation, and great passion of hers, that of motherhood. Although the opportunity for a career did not materialize, the tireless work of motherhood and the myriad responsibilities of homemaker would occupy the most cherished parts of her life. She would continue to balance her love of family and animals and pass on an appreciation to her children and grandchildren of the stewardship all of us share for our pets and “fur babies.”

Her wide-ranging passions included collecting ruby glass, tiger and lion sculptures, and wicker baskets, competing in pool with her husband, watching comedies with her family, toiling around in the garden, roughing it by camping in the state parks of New Jersey, aquatic activities (both in the pool and ocean), and the sublime enjoyment of time spent with her grandchildren. She was an avid enthusiast of the Jersey Shore and especially loved holiday decorations, particularly those of Halloween and Christmas. Her decorations for the holidays would often rival the spectacular creations of New York’s department store windows and Christmastime was the pinnacle time of year with an emphasis placed on time spent with family. Her laugh was always sure to put a smile on your face and she genuinely enjoyed the many joys and challenges of being a homemaker. She will truly be missed by all those who remember her best as simply a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and aunt. Arlene will always remain in our hearts and memories for the unique person she was to each of us.

A memorial service, organized by her family and friends, for the Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 18th, 2023, at her daughter, Desiree Brown’s congregation, Restored Church. It is scheduled for 5:00 PM and located at 74 South Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA. Memorial services will be officiated by Pastor Tim Morris. All are welcome to come and share in celebrating her life and honoring her memory. The family will host fellowship with food and beverages afterwards in the church hall.

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