Francis "Frank" Szematowicz, 86, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2014 surrounded by his family after a brief illness.

Frank was born in Mahanoy City, PA on February 4, 1928 the son of the late John and Anna (nee: Karakas) Szematowicz.

He served in the United States Army from 1946-1948; (occupation Japan.) Frank is predeceased by his wife; Mary (nee: Pangonis), who passed away in 1992. Loving father of Gregory "Greg" (Kathryn nee: O'Sullivan) Szematowicz, Lou Ann Szematowicz, OSHJ, and Sarah (Bruce) Vogel. Adored grandfather of; Melissa (David) Walsh, Matthew Szematowicz , Kristin (Edward Narbe) Szematowicz., Nathan Vogel, and Kevin Vogel. Fond great grandfather of; Brian Walsh, Shae Walsh, Adan Walsh, Kira Kelly, Chloe Kelly, Gage and Daemyon Narbe.

Frank and his family lived in East Aurora, New York and Hamburg, New York from 1960-1973 working as a Microbiologist for Agway in Buffalo, New York. He then moved to Ithaca, New York in 1973 to continue working at the Agway Technical Center until his retirement in 1993. Frank and his late wife, Mary, were both active members of Immaculate Conception Church in East Aurora, where Frank was an active member of the Holy Name Society. They were also active members of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Ithaca, New York, serving as Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors. Frank was also a 4th Order of the Knights of Columbus in Ithaca, New York.

After the passing of his beloved wife, Mary, Frank continued traveling extensively in the US visiting relatives, as well as trips to Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and an expedition to the Ross Sea in Antarctica.

Family and friends are cordially invited to burial at St. Casimir Cemetery in Mahanoy City, PA at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2014 and a Memorial Mass in honor of Frank on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 520 Oak Street East Aurora, New York. The family prefers that expressions of sympathy may be directed to Hospice Buffalo, 255 Como Park Boulevard, PO BOX 590, Buffalo, New York, 14240 or Hogs and Heroes (Veterans Association). Kindly consider leaving a message of condolence and/or sharing a favorite story of Frank. All messages will be placed in the Family's Book of Memories. Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.