Gerald J. Francisko, 70, of Philipsburg died Thursday at his residence. He was born Aug. 7, 1941 and the son of the late Stephen and Agnes (Kardohely) Francisko.
Mr. Francisko was a member of the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Hawk Run, and of the Antique Car Club of America.
He was originally employed with the General Cigar factory, Philipsburg. He then was employed by the K&J Coal Company, Lanse, and later by Power Operating, Osceola Mills, until his retirement in 1987. He attended the Morris Township High School.
He was married to the former Gail R. Ropchuck on April 19, 1963 at St. Marys Catholic Church in Hagerstown, MD. She survives him at home.
Mr. Francisko is survived by two daughters, Kimberly A. Keith and her husband, Don of Houtzdale and Jennifer M. Francisko and her fiancé, Thomas of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; two sisters, Barbara Caldwell and her husband, Mark of New Millport and Mary Finch of Osceola Mills; and two brothers, Stephen Francisko of Philipsburg and Dave Francisko and his wife, Cindy of Pottersdale.
Also surviving are a grandson, Allen Jon Keith of Houtzdale; two sisters-in-law, Velma and Cynthia Francisko, both of Philipsburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Eugene Francisko; one sister, Agnes Folmar; one brother-in-law, Mike Finch; and one sister-in law, Mary Lou Francisko.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at the St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Hawk Run with the Rev. Robert J. Horgas as celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Hawk Run.
Friends will be received from 4 – 7 p.m. Sunday at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, Philipsburg. A vigil service will be conducted, in addition to the recitation of the rosary at 6:30 p.m. by the church alter and rosary society, both Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to beezer-heathfuneralhome.com.