Harry Melvin Franicola

H. Melvin Franicola, 89, of Darragh, PA, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2021 on the farm that he loved surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 18, 1931 in Herminie #2, PA. Son of the late William and Janet McAlpin Franicola. Melvin was a graduate of the former Sewickley Township High School Class of 1950 where he lettered in football and basketball. Melvin was a lifelong member of the Herminie #2 United Methodist Church in Herminie, PA until dissolved and then became a member of the Downtown United Methodist Church in Madison, PA. He was a school bus driver for over 30+ years for Hempfield School District. Melvin had a passion for farming and was a dairy farmer for over fifty years. Farming was his life and he loved teaching his children and others how to farm; he placed a railroad tie outside the barn so kids could jump up and see the cows and he loved to show them the four pointed star on a cow. He was a hard-working, loving and quick-witted man. He loved to watch Western movies, eat ice cream sandwiches on his tractor and spent many days and late nights at the kitchen table surrounded by family and friends. He had a love for his family and was known as dad to many more than his children. In his younger years, he liked to jitter bug with his sister and polka dance with his wife. He is preceded in death by both parents, his loving wife of 58 years – Carol J. Cicci Franicola, one brother – John Franicola, two sisters –June Rose Campbell and Elizabeth Kober, one sister-in-law – Rose Franicola, and two brother-in-laws – Eugene Campbell and Thomas Kirker. He is survived by one son – Guy Franicola and wife Barb of Darragh, PA, two daughters – Carey Franicola and Darcy Franicola of Darragh, PA, grandchildren – Joshua and Emily Franicola, one brother – Louis Kober of Bonita Springs, FL, sister-in-law – Patricia Kirker of Greensburg, PA and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received on Monday, February 15, 2021 and Tuesday, February 16, 2021 from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 8 pm at the Beatty-Rich Funeral Home, Inc. Rt 136 Madison, PA – Ronald A. Rich Jr., Supervisor/FD. A private funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 with Rev. Robert Green and Rev. Donald Scandrol officiating. An open graveside committal service will follow at the Madison Union Cemetery in Madison, PA with the Armbrust Veterans according. In compliance with the CDC COVID-19 guidelines, only 20 people will be permitted at one time into the funeral home. Masks are required to be worn at all times while in the funeral home and social distancing is required. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to the Downtown United Methodist Church PO Box 86 Madison, PA 15663. 

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