Rose Ezak Gress

Rose Ezak Gress, daughter of the late Alexander and Elizabeth Simco Ezak passed away on Monday evening, January 27, 2025. Born on September 19, 1930, she was later preceded in death by her husband Edward James Gress in 2013. In addition, she was preceded in death by sisters Sally Alfano, Helen Gangwer and brother Harry Ezak, all of Florida.

A compassionate woman with fervent spiritual ties to her Byzantine Catholic faith, Rose was a parishioner of St. Vladimir's, Scranton in the earlier years of her life where she was a member of the choir and later, St. John's and St. Mary's where she was also a member of the choir and St. Elizabeth's Guild. She was a loving wife, mother, homemaker, benefactor and close friend to many throughout the course of her life. Rose was very stylish, with excellent taste for quality fashion and skin care, loved to read and enjoyed travel. She was truly an inspiration.

With her husband Jim, Rose co-founded Gress Poultry, Inc. and other Gress family enterprises, including Gress Refrigerated Services in Scranton. Throughout the years, she was a board member of many charitable foundations, including St. Joseph's Center Auxiliary, Lourdesmont, St. Francis Of Assisi Kitchen, The Woman's Resource Center and Lackawanna County Children And Youth in addition to other local community endeavors and fundraising events.

Rose is survived by her sons, James and wife Carmella, Chinchilla, Gary, Las Vegas, Glenn and wife Natalie, Waverly, Dr. Jeffrey and Joyce, Black Forest, Colorado, Atty. Keith, Waverly, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Rose's Caregivers, Diane Dutter, Jeann Carroll, Lisa Rogers and Hospice of The Sacred Heart. 

Private service shall be conducted at the family mausoleum, Cathedral Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Donna O'Shea, Hudak-O'Shea Funeral Home, 115 Garfield Avenue, Olyphant. To leave online condolences, please visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.