Francis W. "Frank" Pecaitis

Francis William “Frank” Pecaitis, 92, of Kulpmont, passed away peacefully at his home on September 9, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Frank was born on January 8, 1934, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Frank and Sophia (Tarankas) Pecaitis. He graduated from Hanover Area High School in 1953, where he participated in football and wrestling.

Following high school, Frank proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. After completing his military service, he attended Mansfield University, where he was a member of the football and wrestling teams.

Frank began his career in education at Susquenita High School, where he established the school’s wrestling program in 1958 and also coached football. He later continued his career as a teacher and wrestling coach at Mount Carmel Area High School, dedicating many years to educating, coaching, and mentoring young people.

Throughout his many years as a teacher and coach, Frank became a beloved and respected member of the community. He touched the lives of generations of students, athletes, and families and was known for his commitment to young people, his love of wrestling, and his willingness to give his time to others. Even after stepping away from high school coaching, Frank remained involved in wrestling and continued helping with the elementary program.

Frank married Rose Marie Wojcik on December 1, 1962, at St. Casimir’s Church in Kulpmont. They shared more than 63 years of marriage.

Frank was an avid fisherman who also enjoyed sports, the outdoors, and spending time with his family. Above all, he was devoted to his family. He especially enjoyed attending sporting events, school activities, graduations, and other special occasions involving his children and grandchildren. Being there for the people he loved was one of the most important parts of his life.

Frank was a member of Holy Angels Church in Kulpmont and the American Legion. His Catholic faith, military service, teaching career, love of athletics, and devotion to his family and community were important parts of the man he was.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rose Marie (Wojcik) Pecaitis; his son, Joseph J. Pecaitis, and his wife, Michele Pecaitis; his daughter-in-law, Carol Pecaitis; and his sister, Theresa A. Harbold.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Daley Bagley, Stephanie Blakely, Nathan Pecaitis, Madison A. Pecaitis, Joseph N. Pecaitis, and Gabriel Pecaitis; and his great-grandchildren, Charlie Bagley, A.J. Blakely, Olivia Blakely, and Delilah Rau.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his son, Frank J. Pecaitis; his sisters, Rose Marie Pecaitis, Faith Mrackoski, and Eleanor Gaiski; and his brother, Peter Pecaitis.

Frank will be remembered not only as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, but also as a teacher, coach, Marine, and friend whose influence reached far beyond his own family. His many years of service to his students, athletes, and community leave a lasting legacy that will be remembered by all who knew him.

Semper Fi.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at noon at the Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont, with Father Andrew Stahmer officiating. Burial will follow in St. Casimir’s Cemetery, Marion Heights. A viewing will be held at the Church on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Following the burial, all are welcome to attend the luncheon at Kulpmont Winery, 1000 Pine St., Kulpmont, PA 17834. Memorial contributions may be made to the Frank J. Pecaitis Memorial Scholarship, a nonprofit scholarship fund benefiting students in the Mount Carmel Area School District. Contributions may be mailed c/o Joe Pecaitis, 429 Heritage Dr., Gettysburg, PA 17325, or sent through Zelle at pecaitis@gmail.com. Arrangements are in the care of C J Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, PA 17834, Ashley P. Doyle, Supervisor. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com