Irene Dorothy Andriole

Born November 13,1928 to Peter and Jenny ( Nardone) Serratore. She grew up in Pittston PA. Her father was a coal miner. Her mother, after raising Irene and her sister Geraldine; was a seamstress in a shirt factory. Irene through her excellent academics and work ethic was able to attend Marywood College in Scranton PA. She graduated with degrees in education and mathematics.

At Marywood she met her husband Gerald Andriole at a school dance. They married on April 14, 1951. Gerald was in his medical residency and in the armed services. They lived in many places in their early years including Louisville KY, Providence RI, and Buffalo NY. They settled in Hazleton PA to raise their family of five children; Joseph Andriole MD( Giancarla), Peter Andriole JD, Gerald Andriole MD (Dorothy), James Andriole DO, and Mary Ann Andriole-Wendel DO( Daniel).

Irene taught middle school math and science for several years and also was a substitute teacher at the parish elementary school. She was very active in PTA and all her children’s activities. She also volunteered for many committees in her church and chaired many medical society committees. Later she worked in her husband’s Urology office as a receptionist. A bright smiling face for the patients.

Gerald and Irene also shared a love of traveling and history. They visited all the continents ( except Antarctica) and often took extended family and friends with them on their adventures. They were active in the arts attending many musicals, operas and plays. Some other past times that Irene enjoyed included playing bridge, cooking wonderful Italian meals (especially on Sundays), reading, and playing backyard sports.

While Irene was very focused on her children; she also was very active in her parish. She was a daily mass goer and often hosted clergy for dinners in the home.

Gerald and Irene moved to Sarasota Florida in October 1997. They continued their adventures of world travel, church committees, various clubs such as the Italian Club and prayer groups. Irene was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush as a public board member on the Florida Board of Massage Therapy.

She participated in water aerobics on a regular basis and made many lifelong friends that included luncheons and other outings together. In fact she swam and participated just 6 days prior to her passing!

The one word you hear from everyone who met Irene is “ kind”. She displayed remarkable generosity, humility, and care for others her entire life. Right up to her last breath, her concern was always for others. And she lived by the motto of “do the right thing”. She was an exemplary example of following our Lord . Her strong Catholic faith shaped her and carried her throughout her life. She had a deep love and admiration for the Blessed Mother and asked for her intercession daily.

She is preceded in death by her parents Peter and Jenny Serratore, her firstborn son Joseph Peter, her beloved husband Gerald, her sister Geraldine Ries, her grandson Richard Wendel, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her five children (named above) and eight grandchildren Gerald Andriole (Olivia), Chiara Andriole Davies (Richard), CJ Andriole, Nicholas Andriole, Christina Wendel, Philip Andriole, Andrea Wendel and Joanna Wendel, and a great granddaughter Arianna Laughner.

Donations can be made to Marywood College, EWTN, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.