Frank Anthony Marhefka, 95, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his daughter’s home on March 6, 2020.
The son of the late Martin and Mary Marhefka, Frank was born on Feb. 15, 1925, in Smithfield, Pa. He graduated from University High School in 1943, and a few months later, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He liked to say that he received his diploma in one hand and his draft notice in the other. He served in World War II, with the rank of Sergeant.
After the war, he had 35 years of mining experience and was a member of UMWA Local 1058.
Frank was well-known for his baseball abilities, having played semi-pro ball for over 10 years for the Canyon Baseball Team as well as Grantsville, Md. and Uniontown, Pa. Big 10 and County League Teams. Those who watched him play often said that he was an excellent pitcher and batter.
He was a longtime member of St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church, and he served as a Hospitality Minister for many years. He was a 3rd degree honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Boutlou of Morgantown. He also was a captain for the K of C Tootsie Roll Drive for many years.
He was an avid fan of all sports, especially the WVU Mountaineers, the Pittsburgh Pirates and baseball in general. He was a member of local senior centers and sang in the senior center choir for many years. He loved listening to all kinds of music, dancing, doing word searches, playing cards with his buddies and spending time with his family.
He and his wife were wonderful dancers and especially enjoyed doing the polka, the waltz and the jitterbug. They are finally dancing together again in heaven.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 41 years, Antoinette Savasta Marhefka; two brothers; and one sister.
He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Ann Fantacci, and her husband George, of Morgantown; a sister Anna Walls and husband Hoye, of Morgantown; and several nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his two granddaughters, Christina Marie and Maria Nicole Fantacci whom he adored, and they were his pride and joy and the light of his life. Along with his daughter, they both helped take care of him for the past two years. They will miss their “Papap” more than words can describe.
Frank will be deeply missed by his family and friends, with whom he shared his love, laughter, jokes, and stories.
Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown, from 4-8 p.m. Monday, March 9, with a scriptural wake at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Frances De Sales, 1 Guthrie Lane, Morgantown, 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, to the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at noon, with The Rev. Msgr. Anthony Cincinnati S.T.D officiating. Interment will follow at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens.
Frank’s family would like to express their deepest thanks to Amedisys Home Health Care and Amedisys Hospice for their endless support, kindness and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10281 and St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1 Guthrie Ln., Morgantown, WV 26508.
Condolences:
hastingsfuneralhome.com
