Francis J. Skok

Francis J."Frank" Skok , 93, of 134 W. Condot Road, St. Marys, died on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 following a brief illness.

He was born on January 20, 1922, in St. Marys, a son of the late Joseph and Cecelia Novosel Skok.

On Saturday, June 7, 1947 in Sacred Heart Church, he married Dorothy Baumgratz Skok, who preceded him in death on January 17, 2007.

Frank was a lifelong resident of the area and a member of the Sacred Heart Church.  He served in the US Navy from 1942-1945 during WWII.  He was assigned to the U.S.S. Kaweah, with duty in the Mediterranean Sea, which was sunk by enemy fire.  He was then assigned to the U.S.S. Monterey in the Pacific Theater as a Boatswains Mate 2nd Class with a combat station as the captain of a Quad 40 mm gun mount,  During this action, the Monterey came under fire by Japanese aircraft, resulting in the sinking of the aircraft carrier.  During his service, Frank was a recipient of 2 Purple Hearts for wounds received in two battle actions.  He was honorably discharged on June 29, 1945.  He had worked for several years for the Benzinger Township Police, and then retired from Stackpole Carbon Company after more than 45 years of service.  He then served as an advisor at Lusko Plating for more than 15 years.  He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post 103, and VFW Post 1047, where he had also served as Past Commander at each and was the service officer for many years of the Legion and the VFW.

He was also a  member of the K. of C. and the CMF.  He was active in local veterans organizations for more than 50 years, having spearheaded the annual Poppy sale until the time of his death.  He had participated for more than 58 years in the annual Memorial Day Parade and graveside services and had served as the Grand Marshal several times.  Affectionately known as the "Mayor of Lynchville", Frank had been active for 11 years with Little League Knothole baseball as a coach, and was well known for his dependable and dedicated service to local veterans organizations.  Most of all, Frank enjoyed the time he spent with his family, especially dining at local restaurants.  He was the last member of his immediate family.

He is survived by two daughters, Donna Kosick of Ridgway, and Sharon (Ted) Annis of St. Marys, a son, Howard (DeAnna Grunthaner) Skok of Weedville, five grandchildren, Shay (Amanda) Annis, Matt (Natasha) Annis, Amanda Annis, Nicholas Skok and Aleisha Skok, and by 7 great-grandchildren, Mayson, Kalyssa, Tyler, Isaiah, RJ, Noah and Landon.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Todd J. Annis, a son-in-law, Jim Kosick, 3 brothers, Joseph Skok, John Skok and Thomas Skok, 2 brothers in infancy, Joseph and Charles, 4 sisters, Barbara Heiberger, Anna Baumer, Mary Hinkel, and Helen Goetz and by 4 sisters in infancy, Magdalene, Mary, Katherine and Eileen.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Francis J. Skok will be celebrated on Saturday, August 29, 2015, at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Rev. Eric Vogt, O.S.B., officiating.
Interment will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail.

Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Friday, August 28, 2015 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail, 168 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to Rides for Vets.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com