Frank Pitelka, 89, of Hazel Ave., Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at the Ellwood City Hospital.
He was born May 9, 1928 in Apatin, Yugoslavia to the late Mathias and Elisabeth Hauk Pitelka. Frank graduated from high school in Apatin in 1944. On September 11, 1948, he married Frieda Theresia Viola in Ried im Inkreis in Austria. They emigrated to the United States in December 1951 and moved to Ellwood City in May of 1952 when he started employment at the Aetna Standard, where he worked until his retirement in 1986. He was a member of Holy Redeemer Church. Mr. Pitelka enjoyed bowling in his younger years and played on several leagues and he was an avid fisherman all his life.
In addition to his wife of 69 years, Frieda, survivors include a daughter, Erika Russell of Slippery Rock; a son, Frank M. Pitelka of Ellwood City; six grandchildren, William Russell of Meadville, Susan (Richard) Daugherty of Franklin, Ann Russell of Columbia, South Carolina, Peggy (Ben) White of Grove City, Michael (Rebecca) Russell of Oil City, Jennifer (Justin) Shazer of Ellwood City ; ten great grandchildren, Justin (Maraya) Titus, Daniel, Brittany and Ashley Titus, Crystal Russell, Morgan and Cameron White, Logan Daugherty, Mathew Rudolph, Tessa Shazer; and four great great grandchildren, Bentlee and Lincoln Titus, Greyson Titus, and Isabella Baker.
Mr. Pitelka was preceded in death by a sister, Maria Herzog of Germany and a daughter in law, Cindy Ferruchie Pitelka of Ellwood City.
As per Mr. Pitelka’s wishes, there will be no viewing. A private family gathering will be held. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Ellwood City Fire Department in Paul Frederick’s memory.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City. Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.
My sympathies to the family.
Enjoyed talking to Frank many times at the office when he came in. I can still here his voice in my head. R.I.P. Frank
Mrs. Pitelka, Erika, and Frank: Other than saying I am so sorry, there are no words to convey how i feel. Mr. Pitelka – your dad – was such an integral part of my growing up years. I still hear him. He is a rich part of what I recall when I think about Ellwood or Lincoln or just having fun teen years. May your memories comfort you. Anita&Larry