Francis J. Lavin Jr.

    Francis “”Frank” J. Lavin Jr., 84, of Minersville, passed away Thursday morning at Seton Manor, Orwigsburg.

    Born in Framingham, Ma., he was a son of the late Francis Lavin Sr. and Nora            O’Hare Lavin.

   He attended Marist Seminary and College in Framingham, Ma. And received a BA in Philosophy from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. In 1965, he received an MA in Guidance Counseling form the University of Notre Dame. He later did graduate studies at the University of Detroit, Fordham University and Wayne State University, Mi.

   From 1979 until his retirement, he was the Senior Account Executive and District Manager for Waddell and Reed, Inc., Pottsville. Previously, he was a teacher and Guidance Director at Notre Dame High School, Harper Woods, Mi.  (1960-1969), District Supervisor for the State of Michigan Vocational and Rehabilitation Services (1969-1975), Director, Robinwood Clinic Comprehensive mental Health Programs, Detroit, Mi. (1975-1979) and Assistant Program Director, Director of Therapy at the Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville.         

    He was a Board member and President of the Michigan Rehabilitation Counselors Association, the Detroit Kiwanis Club, Board member of the Schuylkill Business Institute, member of the Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce, the Minersville Lions Club where he served as Treasurer and Second VP, Board member of the Schuylkill County Drug and Alcohol Executive Commission and  was a member of Holy Family Parish, Minersville.

    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, John, George, and Michael.      

    He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, the former Dorothy Daniels; a brother Robert Lavin and his wife Dolores of Wayland , Ma; his sisters-in-law Barbara Evans of Minersville and Gail Meyers Lavin, Orleans, Ma; nieces and nephews. .

Frank loved his wife dearly and cherished every moment together. They loved traveling, especially the time they spent in Rome when they received communion from saint Pope John Paul II. Frank loved Cape Cod where he spent summers as a boy and visited frequently with Dorothy. After retirement, he spent his days mentoring and sponsoring AA members in town. At home he enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, making ropes for the cape Cod and Ocean City boats and watching cowboy movies and the History Channel. Frank was an avid student of History.

   Frank was many things to many people but most importantly he was a teacher and counselor to everyone he knew. Frank was one of those rare souls who was selfless and constantly putting the needs of others ahead of his own. He did this through his actions and his words. His impact on the many lives that he changed for the better can’t be overstated. Frank’s special gift was seeing the potential in people and helping them achieve it. This was where his professional training as a teacher melded into his life as a mentor.   

    A Mass of Christian Burial  will be celebrated Tuesday at 10AM in St. Michael the Archangel Church, 539 Sunbury St., Minersville. Rev. Jason Stokes will officiate. Relative and friends can call at the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, 328 Sunbury St., on Tuesday morning from 8:30AM to 9:30AM. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Hillside.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances of Francis in the form of contributions to either the Schuylkill Community Action, 206 North Second St., Pottsville, Pa. or to the St. Michael’s Church Memorial Fund, 538 Sunbury St., Minersville, pa. 17954. Contributions will also be accepted at the Funeral Home.                                         

To offer condolences to the family or to light a candle in Frank’s memory, visit us at www.donaldjbutlerfh.com

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