Obituary of Francis Thomas Peduzzi

PEDUZZI - Francis Thomas, 88 of Ebensburg, a faithful servant of the Lord,  passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, the Solemnity of Mary.  He was born on March 4, 1936 in Johnstown and was the son of Theodore and Anna (Hajzus) Peduzzi. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant granddaughter Megan and brothers and sisters:  Sylvia (Steve), Joseph (Mary Ann) and Rosemary “Tessie” (Richard).  

Francis is also survived by his wife of over 64 years, Helen (Deskevich) Peduzzi of Ebensburg and children Maria (Keith), Juli, Christopher (Salvador), Paul (Jacqueline), Michael (Theresa) and Jennifer (Matthew). Known as “Frankie” to his grandchildren he is survived by grandchildren Michaela, Jordan (Brian), Justin (Gillie), Daniella (Nathan), Jessica (Scott), Mateo, Marcus (Evgenia), Ross (Erin), Olivia, Vanessa, Zachary and Lucas. He is also survived by 3 Great-Grandchildren, Mila (Marcus and Eve), Reed (Ross and Erin) and Micah (Daniella and Nathan) and many nieces and nephews. He is survived by sister Mary Margaret “Dolly” (John) Murphy and brother Theodore Peduzzi, Jr.

Francis lived his entire life in Ebensburg and is a graduate of Ebensburg (now Central Cambria) High School and St. Francis College, Loretto, PA. Always a hard worker, during his high school and college years he worked at Risaliti’s Service Station, Ceresa’s service station and for the Barber family. After graduating from St. Francis he worked at the First National Bank of Ebensburg where he ultimately met his wife Helen who also worked there. Francis and Helen were married on May 14, 1960 and less than a year later, in April 1961, their family started with the birth of a child nearly every year until 1967.  Helen and Francis remained in their home for over 64 years before moving to The Villa assisted living facility in Johnstown.

Returning from his honeymoon in May of 1960, he was approached by an executive from Nationwide Insurance who offered him a job as an insurance agent which then started the Peduzzi Insurance Agency which he built with the help of his wife Helen. Being the eternal salesman, he quickly built his agency insuring hundreds of customers and businesses throughout the greater Ebensburg, Johnstown and Altoona areas as well as many Western Pennsylvania communities. Having his office co-located within his home, he oftentimes found himself providing 24/7 help answering phone calls and doorbells at all hours of the day, night and weekends. With every telephone call and visit to his office, his customers were always made to feel welcomed.

There were very few people in Ebensburg that didn’t know Francis. He loved people and could talk to anyone and always had a joke at-the-ready. Having that booming voice, you always knew when Francis was around. He was so well-known that he and his family would travel to other states for vacations and he’d run into someone the he knew or knew him. Francis was also very active in Holy Name Church and ran their Monday night bingo with his excellent and dedicated bingo crew for 50+ years where together they raised more than 1 million dollars for the church during those bingo years. A member of Council #522 Knights of Columbus.   He also served as an altar boy in his younger years and then as an usher and a member of the church choir for his entire adult life. He was also served as a boy’s basketball coach at Holy Name during the years his sons attended. Francis also was an active bowler bowling for the Hi-Way Diner for many years as well as sponsoring a league under his own Peduzzi Insurance Agency.

Francis was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and was much-loved by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time growing up visiting family in Lancaster, PA and always thought of Lancaster as a second hometown. Some of his favorite memories growing up were from the times he spent hanging around the Hi-Way Diner. What may be little known to many people was Francis’ love of children. He would often, and anonymously, make donations of food, money, clothing and toys to the area social services agencies to ensure those families and their children did not go without especially for the holidays. Although he never left the Ebensburg area, he ensured that all of his children had college educations and supported each and every one of them in pursuing their career goals sometimes moving far from home…but he was always just a phone call away if his children ever needed anything. “Frankie” will be missed by family and friends alike.

The Peduzzi family would also like to thank the staff at The Villa in Johnstown for the excellent care they’ve provided to Francis and continue to provide to Helen.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 10^th, at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg, where a K 0f C Prayer Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. and a vigil prayer service will be held. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 11th, at Holy Name Roman Catholic Church, Ebensburg, Fr. Brian Warchola, celebrant.  Entombment at Holy Name Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations in Francis’ memory may be made to the Cambria County Humane Society or to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Condolences to the family may be left at www.askew-houser.com