Aurelio Escalante

“Mayor of the Square” Aurelio Escalante, 79, of 652 Emerald Drive, Lancaster, PA, died unexpectedly on Thursday, June 8, 2017, at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, he was the husband of Kathleen “Gail” “Mom Mom” Walls Vazquez and was formerly married to Rosa DeJesus of Puerto Rico. He and Gail celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on February 2, 2017. He was the son of the late Aurto Rivera and Teresa Escalante. Aurelio worked for the former Bird In Hand Poultry Company where he was a supervisor. He also worked at Windows on Steinman Park, the Farmer’s market in Lancaster, and Anvil Foundry, Columbia, PA. He loved the Phillies and will be remembered as walking downtown to spend time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed watching game shows, music, being with his family, and was always happy go lucky, and known for his smile. He will be missed by his family and his beloved dog, Ronnie. In addition to his wife, he is survived by 11 children; Robert Rivera, Lancaster, Marisol, wife of Eddie Diaz, Springfield, Mass., Sandra, wife of Miguel DeJesus, Mountville, PA, Luz “Nellie” Rivera, Columbia, PA; Nancy, wife of David Martinez, Orlando, FL, Rachael Rivera, Springfield, Mass, Jeremiah Escalante, Lancaster, PA, Aurelio Lopez, husband of Casey, Strasburg, PA, Michael Vazquez, Lancaster, PA, William Vazquez, Lancaster, PA, and Christopher Vazquez, Lancaster, PA; 20 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Emilian Rivera, Florida and Maria Dolores Rivera, Chicago, IL. He was preceded in death by a brother and three sisters. Relatives and friends are respectively invited to attend Aurelio’s Memorial Service at The Groff Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 528 W. Orange St., (corner of W. Orange and Pine Streets), Lancaster, PA 17603 on Sunday, June 11, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Dale Parmer officiating. The family will receive friends at The Groff Family Funeral Home on Sunday from 12:00 Noon until time of service. The interment will be private.