Frank R. Klanica

Frank R. Klanica, 88, of West Leechburg, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh in the company of family.

A son of the late Joseph A. Klanica and Cecelia (Polacek) Klanica, he was born on November 5, 1930 in New Kensington, PA.

Frank graduated from Leechburg Area High School and lived on Fourth Street in West Leechburg his entire life.  He was retired from ATI with 42 years of service as an iron worker.  Frank served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Briareus during the Korean War.  He was a member of Christ the King Parish in Gilpin Township.

He truly missed his beloved wife of 40 years, Josephine (Visnovsky) Klanica who passed away in 1996.  Frank loved being with his family especially his grandchildren, and was honored to be called G-Pap by his great-grandchildren.  He had many hobbies that included woodworking, fishing, hunting, gardening and sitting up on the farm on a warm afternoon eating a Dilly bar from Dairy Queen.  He loved growing potatoes on the farm and always had a friendly competition with his brother on who could grow the biggest spud.  Every Wednesday he enjoyed breakfast at the Bonfire with his retired co-workers.

Survivors include his two sons, Frank Klanica (Marylin) of Level Green and James Klanica of West Leechburg; five grandchildren, Ann Titchner (Mike), Daniel Klanica, Marian Barbosa (Matt), Kate Klanica, Sarah Wetzel (Ben); two great-grandchildren, Madison and Hudson Wetzel; a brother, Phillip Klanica of West Leechburg; and a sister, Mary Carlisi of Lower Burrell.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by seven brothers, Joseph, Steve, John, Adam, Andy, Martin and Rudolph Klanica; and a sister, Ann Marcinek.

Friends welcomed by his family on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Clawson Funeral & Cremation Center, 170 Main Street, Leechburg (724-842-1051).  Parting Prayers of Transfer will be held at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the funeral home, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Parish, 125 Park Road, Gilpin Twp., with Rev. James H. Loew, O.S.B. as celebrant.  Interment following at St. Catherine Cemetery, 614 Evergreen Rd., Gilpin Township, with military rites conducted by the Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard. 

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