Obituary of Francis Norman Funyak

FUNYAK - Francis Norman, 86, Ebensburg, died Jan. 7, 2007, at Memorial Medical Center. Born March 31, 1920, in Nanty Glo, son of Joseph and Anna (Orlosky) Funyak. Preceded in death by parents and these brothers and sisters: Andrew, Irma, Catherine, Stephan, Josephine, Adolph "Fuzzy," Rudolph, Mary, Joseph and Anna. Survived by wife, the former Kathryn Rafas, and these children: Kathryn, wife of Carl White, Southington, Conn.; James, married to the former Janice Garay, Shepherdsville, Ky.; Patricia, wife of Peter Shrift, Ebensburg; Mary Beth, wife of Dagoberto Vicens, Toms River, N.J.; Peggie, wife of David Link, Ebensburg; and Barbara Shaffer, Ebensburg; also 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Death ends a marriage union of 56 years. Last surviving member of his immediate family. Retired from Beth Energy Mines #33, Ebensburg. Former owner of Frank's Corner Store, Ebensburg, from 1953 to 1967. Frank enjoyed playing saxophone and clarinet in his band, The Frankie Norman Trio Band. Army veteran of World War II, having served in the following campaigns: Tunisia, Naples-Foggia, Southern France, Rhineland, Central Europe and Rome-Arno; and was awarded the following medals: Good Conduct Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with six Bronze Stars. Member of VFW Post 4963 and American Legion Post 363, both of Ebensburg, and the Disabled American Veterans. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Matevish and Matevish Funeral Home, Ebensburg, where vigil wake service will be held Wednesday evening. Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Thursday at Holy Name Catholic Church, Ebensburg, the Rev. Monsignor Arnold L. Gaus. Committal, Holy Name Mausoleum, Ebensburg. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Name School Angel Fund in Frank's memory.