Frank M. Kroll

Frank M. Kroll Sr. 77, of Leechburg, PA, passed away on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at Bayberry Place in Lower Burrell.

The son of the late Alexander F. Kroll and Eva (Banichar) Kroll, he was born on April 6, 1944 in Dunkirk, New York.

Frank was a fine football center for the Leechburg Blue Devils in the late 50's and early 60's.  He majored in English Literature at Rutgers University and went on to a career as a journalist, at UPI in Chicago, as well as in Connecticut and Michigan.  Inevitably, his focus became sportswriting, and it is evidence of his rich imagination that despite his passion for football, and having never worn skates in his life, he became recognized as an insightful hockey reporter in the 1990's.

However, Frank always felt most at home in Leechburg.  He had a famously fresh sense of humor and a wide array of friends and relatives there.  So, when he decided to retire, he came home.  He became a member of Christ The King Parish in Gilpin Township and a Director of the rapidly expanding Leechburg Museum.  But he always sustained love of reading.  His apartment is less an apartment than a library -- particularly of religion and sports.

Survivors include a son, Frank M. Kroll Jr. and a daughter, Kristin Kroll, both of Chicago, IL; daughter Eve Kroll, of Kalamazoo, MI; grandchildren, Gage Hollis of Chicago, IL, Reagan Lynn of Amherst, MA; and his brother, Alex Kroll, of Charlotte, VT.

Friends are welcome to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at Christ The King Parish, 125 Park Road, Gilpin Township with the Rev. James H. Loew, O.S.B. as celebrant.  Private interment will be held at St. Catherine Cemetery in Gilpin Township at the convenience of the family.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Clawson Funeral & Cremation Center, 170 Main Street, Leechburg (724-842-1051). 

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