Russell A. Frantz

Russell A. Frantz, 80, of West West Terrace, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away Friday morning, July 23^rd, at his home.

Russell was born on Christmas day 1940 at the Ashland State General Hospital to the late Russell and Edith Groom Dolbin Frantz.

He was a 1958 graduate of the former Cass Township High School, where he was co-captain of the 1957 Undefeated, Untied, and Unscored-upon football team. Russell played as both an offensive and defensive end and was only 16 years old at the time of the perfect season. He was a talented athlete who played in the first Big 33 game as an All-State end; he also played baseball, basketball, and was recruited by the Philadelphia Phillies as a pitcher.  Several universities, including Notre Dame, actively recruited him to play football due to his talent and size. He chose to accept a scholarship from Villanova University to remain close to home where he played as an end. He was inducted into the Allen Rogowicz chapter of The Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. He retired after 38 years as an accountant from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. He was a devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Church where he was an active volunteer in various church activities including soup kitchen, candy-making fundraisers, and vestry. He was also a life member of the Forestville Fire Company.

His athletic talent pales in comparison to his humanitarianism. He was a consummate life coach and role model for many people: an ever-loving husband, father, grandfather, soup kitchen cook, sports hall of famer, our favorite life advice giver, a friend, a steward of the Earth and community, a tomato grower, a novice winemaker, a humble hard worker, the best French toast maker, our gentle giant with a patient loving ear.  Words will never fully express how deeply he is missed or how vastly he is loved by so many.  He was a humble and kind man who truly wanted to help others and show his love and concern for everyone he knew. He was always known as a genuinely nice guy who enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his 3 sisters Gladys Flaherty, Dorothy Dominguez, and Vivian Smulley; and 2 brothers Robert and Horace Frantz.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, the former Anne M. Hughes; a daughter, Lisa M. Ferguson and her husband, Stephen, Schuylkill Haven; a son, Russell D. Frantz and his wife Tracy, Pottsville; 3 grandchildren, Richard Ferguson, Michael Ferguson, and Alexandra Evans and her husband Charles; and a brother, Herbert Frantz.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at Trinity Episcopal Church, South Centre St. and Howard Avenue, Pottsville, on Saturday July 31^st from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Services will begin at 10:00 AM with interment to follow at the Charles Baber Cemetery, Pottsville.

At the family’s request, memorial donations in Russell’s memory may be forwarded to Trinity Episcopal Church, Pottsville. Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, 328 Sunbury St., Minersville has been entrusted with arrangements. To offer condolences to the family, light a candle, or send flowers in Russell’s memory, visit us at www.donaldjbutlerfh.com

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