PITTSTON – For Father Joseph J. Adonizio, reaching 100 years old was never something he expected.
Neither was the sight of hundreds of people, many coming from across the country simply to celebrate with him.
Yet on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, the beloved priest who has spent 70 years serving the Diocese of Scranton found himself surrounded by friends, former parishioners and families whose lives have been touched by his priestly ministry.
An open house at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Hall at Communion of Saints Parish in Pittston drew roughly 250 people between 2 and 5 p.m. for an afternoon of fellowship and friendship honoring Father Adonizio, who celebrated his 100th birthday on Aug. 13.
“I was absolutely amazed and so thankful to God that I was able to enjoy so many years of serving people in the name of Christ,” Father Adonizio said. “That was my vocation and it was a gift.”
The celebration was only the latest gathering to mark a remarkable milestone. On Wednesday, Aug. 12, Father Adonizio gathered with the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, and many brother priests for dinner, cake and fellowship.
But Sunday’s open house offered something different – a living testament to the generations of people who have remained connected to a priest who has spent much of his life connecting with them.
“It is something that I never expected,” Father Adonizio said. “It’s absolutely phenomenal.”
Former parishioners traveled from Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Florida to be there.
“Parishioners from 50 years back and from all different parishes have come without formal invitation,” he added.
For Father Adonizio, their presence was not simply a celebration of his birthday. It was a reminder of the gift he believes his entire life has been.
“My years of living is a gift from God. I don’t attribute it to myself,” he said. “I am so blessed and I always have a heart of gratitude to the Lord and Our Lady, for their goodness to me.”
VOCATION ROOTED IN GRATITUDE
Born in Hughestown, Father Adonizio is the son of Gaetano Adonizio and Concetta Lello. He was baptized at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Pittston on Aug. 29, 1926, the same parish where he later received his First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
After attending grammar school and high school in Hughestown, he continued his education at Scranton University and Bucknell University before entering Christ the King Seminary in St. Bonaventure, N.Y.
He was ordained a priest at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton in May 1956.
Over the next seven decades, Father Adonizio served Catholics in communities throughout northeastern Pennsylvania in a variety of pastoral and educational roles.
His assignments included assistant pastorates in Bear Creek, Nanticoke, Dunmore and Wilkes-Barre. He served as principal of Dunmore Central Catholic High School from 1964 to 1968, director of campus ministry at Wilkes College in 1972, and was also dean of the West Pittston Deanery for many years.
His pastorates included Saint Mary’s Assumption Parish in Jessup beginning in 1973, Immaculate Conception Parish in West Pittston beginning in 1985 and Blessed Sacrament Parish in Hughestown beginning in 1999.
FAITHFUL SHOW GRATITUDE
Cynthia Owens traveled from Massachusetts to celebrate Father Adonizio’s 100th birthday.
For her, the long-time priest has been much more than someone who simply served her parish.
“He has been a source of inspiration, support and love,” she said. “He is the epitome of what you think of when you think of a wonderful priest – or just a wonderful person.”
Owens said Father Adonizio has remained a source of spiritual and personal guidance even after his active parish assignments ended.
“Every time we come back to visit, we are sure to go and see him at his home for his support,” she added. “He actually calls us at home to offer his blessing and support for us.”
Ann Sorick of Corpus Christi Parish in West Pittston also came to celebrate Father Adonizio, who has been a part of her family’s life for decades.
“He married us 40 years ago, seven years ago he concelebrated when our children got married and he baptized my twins in 1991,” Sorick recalled. “He has just been a life-long friend.”
She described the celebration as a fitting tribute.
“It is amazing. I can’t believe how big it is,” she said. “It’s a well-deserved tribute to Father. He is just a great guy. He has been a loyal and faithful priest first, and then a friend to everyone.”