Atlas - Frank J. Sawicki, of Columbia Avenue, Atlas, passed away on December 28, 2024, at his home while surrounded by his loving family.  Frank was born on April 12, 1946, in Ashland State Hospital to the late Frank W. "Fritz" and Mary C. (Procopio) Sawicki of Atlas, PA. He was a lifelong resident of Northumberland County, living his entire civilian life in the Village of Atlas.

Frank graduated from Mount Carmel Catholic High School in 1964 and matriculated to Susquehanna University. While at Susquehanna, he was a member of the Phi Mu Delta fraternity and graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics. It was also during his time at Susquehanna that he met his future bride, Miss Mary P. Slavinsky of Mount Carmel and ultimately gave her his lavalier proclaiming his commitment to her.

After graduating from Susquehanna, he was rapidly drafted into service with the United States Army Infantry. He entered service in Harrisburg, PA, and proceeded through various training courses at Ft. Moore, GA (Ft. Benning) and Ft. Johnson, LA (Ft. Polk) with combat duty in the Republic of Vietnam. While on leave he married his sweetheart Mary Slavinsky on October 5, 1969, and thirteen days later deployed to Vietnam for his next assignment. His Vietnam combat tour was with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division based primarily in Cu Chi and Trang Bang, Vietnam, including cross-border Cambodia incursions. His last duty assignment was Platoon Sergeant of the Combined Reconnaissance and Intelligence Platoon conducting reconnaissance patrols in advance of battalion and brigade operations. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal, and Bronze Star Medal.

After being discharged from the Army, Frank returned home to Atlas, PA, and he started a family while attending Bucknell University in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He graduated in 1973, being named to the Dean's List four times and elected to Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society. He was employed with Pennsylvania Power and Light Company and significantly contributed to many successful PP&L projects including the Montour Steam Electric Station near Washingtonville, Susquehanna Steam Electric Station near Berwick, and Electrical Service Centers in Northumberland, Frackville, Orwigsburg, and Millersburg. Frank retired while working at Sunbury Steam Electric Station in Shamokin Dam under the ownership of Wisconsin Public Service. He was known for his on-site engineering prowess, facilitating the successful completion of multiple projects, with many of the engineering solutions devised on his drafting board and certified with his stamp. Frank also served as engineer for the Borough of Kulpmont.

Frank continued to better his community through various volunteer opportunities. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Francis Home Association, and Rotary Club. He was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, where he served as Financial Adjutant. For many years he served on the Mount Carmel Library Board, where he fundraised and collaborated with others to produce the annual library historical calendars. Every summer, Frank could always be found constructing the vital power and infrastructure enabling our beloved church picnics. His leadership was felt on the Pastoral Council of the former St. Paul's Chapel and the Finance Council of Divine Redeemer Church. He particularly enjoyed the yearly camping trips to Camp Karoondinha with Troop 174 and other scouting activities as a Cub and Boy Scout Leader.

Frank was politically involved in the area. He first served his community as a Mount Carmel Township Supervisor, where he contributed testimony alongside a team of others to petition the State of Pennsylvania to improve State Highway 901, increasing trafficability from I-81 to the region. He served two terms as a Northumberland County Commissioner and subsequently as Chairman of the Northumberland County Board of Commissioners. Frank served Northumberland County with distinction and will always be remembered as a man who tried to bring common sense, ethics, and fiscal responsibility to local government.

As a father, Frank was a constant presence at his children's activities and sports. Throughout his life, he was there for his family; he built his house and made it a home for his wife and five children. He was an avid outdoorsman, especially fishing, and was a member of the Gordon Hunting Club, Poe Valley. On his free nights, Frank enjoyed the dry humor and camaraderie with the regulars at the Pine Burr Inn. Frank could always be found alongside his caring, loving, and devout wife, Mary. She provided unwavering love and support throughout their 55 years together.

His most important work, however, was serving as a husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind many people who are saddened by his loss but grateful for the love, dedication, and guidance Frank always provided.

In addition to his wife Mary, Frank also is survived by five children: Susan, wife of Brian Berger, Ashland, PA; Melanie, wife of Thomas Michetti, Rockaway, NJ; Frank M. and his wife Jody (Brozoskie) of Pinehurst, NC; David of Kulpmont, PA; and the Very Reverend Jonathan P. Sawicki, V.F. of New Cumberland, PA. Frank is also survived by four grandchildren: Emma Rose Sawicki, Francesca Maria Michetti, Juliana Marie Sawicki, and Nicholas Peter Michetti. Frank also leaves behind a large extended family comprised of numerous Sawicki and Procopio cousins, as well as many friends and colleagues. Frank was predeceased by his mother Mary, father Fritz, and infant brother John.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 3rd, at 11 a.m. with main celebrant and son, Father Jonathan P. Sawicki, Father Bernard Wamayose, A.J. as concelebrant, as well as other Harrisburg Diocese Clergy in Divine Redeemer Church, 300 W. Ave., Mt. Carmel. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery, Mt. Carmel Twp. Viewing will be held on Thursday, January 2nd, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. with a Christian Wake Service at 8 p.m. and Friday, January 3rd, from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. in the C J Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 27 N. Vine St., Mt. Carmel, C. J. Lucas IV, Supervisor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Divine Redeemer Church, 438 West Ave., Mt. Carmel, PA 17851, Mount Carmel Public Library, 30 S. Oak Street, Mt. Carmel, PA 17851, or to Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, 2001 Clinton Ave. Coal Twp. PA 17866. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com