Frank J. Ference

March 8, 2010

Frank J. Ference, 85, of North Pennsylvania Avenue, in the Brookside section of Wilkes-Barre, passed into Eternal Life early Monday morning, March 8, 2010, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital following an illness. Born June 5, 1924, in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son of the late Walter and Bertha (Stoyczek) Ference. He was educated in the city schools. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Ference proudly served our country with the U.S. Marine Corps, earning the rank of sergeant upon his honorable discharge. He participated in the occupation of China. Until his retirement, he was employed as a carpenter for the former Baloga Construction Co. of Wilkes-Barre. Previously, he was employed in the local mining industry, working with several coal companies in the Wyoming Valley. Mr. Ference was a member of the Catholic Community of Northeast Wilkes-Barre, and held membership in the Brookside American Legion, Post No. 837 of Wilkes-Barre. He and his wife, the former Christine J. Kultys, celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on May 17, 2009. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Robert Ference; two brothers, Mitchell and Edward Ference; and a sister, Stella Ference. Surviving, in addition to his beloved wife, Christine, at home, are daughters, Jean and her fiancé, Robin Levengood, of Ephrata, and Christine May and her husband, Dennis, also of Ephrata; grandchildren, Randy Biddison, Jason Troy and Keith Biddison; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter; as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Mr. Ference will be conducted at 9 a.m. Thursday from the John V. Morris Funeral Home, 625 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Saint Stanislaus Kostka Roman Catholic Church, 666 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, with the Rev. Joseph M. Horanzy, pastor emeritus, officiating. Interment will be in Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery, South Main Street, Hanover Township. Relatives, friends and neighbors are invited to join Frank's family for visitation and remembrances Wednesday; from 5 until 8 p.m. A vigil service will be conducted Wednesday evening at the funeral home with the Rev. Mr. Peter J. Hoegen, permanent deacon, officiating. To send Mrs. Ference and her family online words of comfort, please visit www.JohnVMorrisFuneralHomes.com .