Robert J. Jesso, Sr., age 79, of West Scranton, passed away Tuesday morning under the care of Hospice Community Care in Dunmore. He is survived by his beloved wife, the former Alexis Smith. Wed on April 23, 1966, the couple had been married for 45 years. Born in Scranton on April 26, 1932, Robert was the son of the late Stephen and Mary Lotzko Jesso. A graduate of West Scranton High School, Class of 1950, he was an accomplished athlete, excelling in both basketball and baseball. A United States Air Force Veteran with four years of active duty, he earned both the National Defense and Good Conduct Medals. Earning both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Penn State University, he went on to work as an electrical engineer for NEMS of Binghamton for twelve years. Prior to his retirement, he also worked for both TRANE of Dunmore and Loral of Archbald. Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a member of St. Ann's Basilica in West Scranton. A sports enthusiast with a love for the Boston Redsox, he was also a great bowler. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he'll certainly be missed. He is survived by his five children, Mary Catherine Holloway of Scranton, Cheryl Marie Benzeleski and fiance Robert Wharton, Jr., of Scranton, Robert Jesso, Jr., and fiance Debbie Walsh of Scranton, Kelly Williams and husband Joseph of Moscow and Alexis Moritzkat and husband Patrick of Scranton; eleven grandchildren, Ashley, Jessica, Zachary, Jacob, Bobby, Ashton, Cassandra, Darion, Tyler, Nick and Nolan; and several nieces and nephews. A grandson, Bradley Williams; two brothers, John and Joseph Jesso; and a sister, Margaret McCullon, also preceded him in death. His family would like to express their appreciation to the nursing staffs of both the Moses Taylor Hospital and Hospice Community Care for all the care and kindness they had given to Robert during his stays. Funeral services will begin on Friday at 9:15AM from the Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ann's Basilica, West Scranton. Interment with full military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow in Holy Family Parish Cemetery in Throop. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday between 5-8:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert's name to Hospice Community Care (c/o 100 Williams Street, Dunmore, 18509).