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1941
2016
Jack Focose, 74, a resident of over 32 years of Kenai and Nikiski, passed away on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016 at Providence Hospital in Anchorage from a lung infection after open heart surgery with his wife Wendy, the love of his life, by his side.
He was born in Philadelphia, Pennslyvania in 1941 to Gerome and Stella Slevenski Focose. He was the fourth child of five children: three girls - Jeanie, Gloria and Rosie - and then Jerome.
He was a firefighter for the Wissahickon Fire Company in Ambler, Pennsylvania, graduating from the Montgomery County Fire School in 1974. As a firefighter of over 25 years he moved up to the ranks to Fire Chief
He was a member of the Kenai Elks Lodge #2425 as a Life Member of 32 years. He held positions of House Committee, Esteemed Loyal Knight and was looking forward to becoming an Exalted Ruler in 2 years. He was recognized with numerous awards for Outstanding Service 2009-2010, Grand Lodge Elk of the Year 2010-2011 and Outstanding Service Commendation of organizing and hosting the annual golf tournament for 10 years and hosting numerous cooking fundraising events.
He was instrumental in starting the Kenai Petroleum Club and Kenai Chapter of the Alliance serving as president. He was honored for his outstanding service to The Alliance in 2007. He also served on the Kenai Planning and Zoning Commission in 2015.
He loved golfing, cooking and singing Sinatra at karaoke, hence his nickname Frank. Always being the life of the party, he loved entertaining his family and friends and always making them feel welcome. He was famous for his Philly Cheese Steaks and attracted large crowds if he was cooking. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, communicating with old school friends, firefighters and family on Facebook and playing solitaire on his computer.
He is survived by his wife, Wendy, whom he married on Feb. 28, 1998 on the Colorado River on the USS Riverside in Laughlin, Nevada; his daughter, Sarah Focose and her fiancé, Michael Foglia, of Soldotna; his son Patrick John, Jr. (P.J.) and his fiancée, Jana Dykema-Knapp, of California; son Jared and wife, Yeliz; and his brother, Jerome Focose of Nokomis, Florida. Also surviving are his five grandchildren, Serena, Isaac, Dayne, Rosalyee and Logan; and his in-laws, Dan and Elaine Mattson.
An Kenai Elks Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016 at 6 p.m., followed by a celebration of life potluck and karaoke at 8 p.m., at the Kenai Elks Lodge, 205 Barnacle Way, by the Kenai Post Office. Call 283-7776. Donations may be made in Jack's name to the Kenai Elks Lodge charity of the donor's choice.
Please visit www.alaskanfuneral.com to leave online condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
My heart goes out to Wendy and the family. Jack was a wonderful person and will be missed by many.
Debbie (nickname, Debbie duck) Derr
September 7, 2016
My sympathy goes out to Wendy and the family. I have many pleasant memories both through business and socially with both Jack and Wendy.
Barry Thomson
September 7, 2016
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. May you find comfort from our God of comfort during this difficult time Act 24:15
BC~
September 4, 2016
Big love and prayers sending out to all of Jack's family and friends. My husband Scott and I always enjoyed Jack and Wendy, their hospitality and love of laughter. Jack- you will be dearly missed and I will always smile when I hear your name, or have a memory reappear in my mind as it was always a welcome fun filled time when spent with you and Wendy. Heaven has gained a loving and funny angel.
Molly Marler
September 1, 2016
Please accept my condolences for your loss. What a great write up about Jack's life. I know he will be greatly missed. May the God of comfort give you the strength you need to continue on. Keep his happy memories alive...it will carry you a long way.
Sharon G.
August 31, 2016
My Deepest Sympathies to all of the family members for your loss. Jack will be missed.
Nancy Henry
August 31, 2016
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