Frank J. Magdalinski

Frank J. Magdalinski, 78, of Laflin, passed away Saturday morning, July 16, 2022, at his home after a courageous battle with leukemia.

He was born in Plains Twp., the 11th of 13 children to the late Anthony J. And Mary E. Kovalick Magdalinski.

Frank graduated from Sacred Heart High School, Plains Twp., Class of 1962, and King's College, Wilkes-Barre, Class of 1966, earning his bachelor's degree in business.

Frank was the owner/operator of Anthracite Coal Craft, formerly Coal Manufacturing Distributing Company, Plains Twp., which was established by his father in 1936. Over his career, Frank handcrafted many items out of coal that were presented to politicians, dignitaries and professional athletes. Among his most memorable pieces were: a sculpted coal football which was presented by the citizens of Pottsville to the NFL Hall of Fame (a trophy commemorating the Pottsville Maroons as the 1925 football champions), the annual Melberger Award (presented to the outstanding player in Division III football) and the annual Pocono Bill France Award of Excellence (the award was presented by the Mattioli family to the individual or entity that made an outstanding contribution to NASCAR racing). He took great pride in sculpting a twin tower replica commemorating NYPD members from the 9/11 tragedy and restoration of the anthracite coal altar at King's College chapel. He also worked many years for Centralia Coal Sales Company, maintaining the office building. During his "retirement," he was a volunteer tour guide at the anthracite heritage museum.

Frank lived a life of service to others and was often found fixing or building things in his spare time for people in his community. He received a Distinguished Service Award from Laflin borough in 2004 to honor his community service. In his honor, please perform an act of kindness or service to your family, friends and neighbors.

He was a lifelong member of St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin, where he served as Eucharistic minister, Cantor, choir member, collection counter, two times chair of the parish festival, volunteer at the annual pasta dinner and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Frank was a lifetime member of the Laflin Volunteer Fire Department and served on the Laflin borough council for many years.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Anthony, Joseph and Charles Magdalinski; and his sisters, Eleanor Lynch, Marie MacDougall, Anne Marek, Rose Stegmuller and Christine Piechota.

Left to carry his legacy are his wife of 54 years, the former Joan M. Ungvarsky; son, Michael Magdalinski and wife, Christine, Reading; daughter, Linda Viteritti, Laflin; five grandchildren, Robert Viteritti and his partner, Samantha Wade; Emily Viteritti; Ryan Viteritti; Morgan Magdalinski; and Mason Magdalinski; great-grandson, Grayson Viteritti; and bonus great-granddaughter, Isabella Wade; brother, David Magdalinski, Shavertown; sisters, Teresa Magdalinski, Tallahassee, Fla.; Dorothy Corcoran and husband, Hugh, Jenkins Twp.; and Bernadine Lizza, Yatesville; many nieces and nephews; and two cherished cousins, Sister Joseph Marie and Sister Joseph Louise Magdalinski, Pottsville.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held in St. Maria Goretti Church, 42 Redwood Drive, Laflin. Inurnment was in Sacred Heart Slovak Cemetery, Dorchester Drive, Dallas.

Arrangements were entrusted to Corcoran Funeral Home Inc., 20 S. Main St., Plains Twp.

The Magdalinski family greatly appreciates the compassionate and professional care from Dr. Michalene Torbik, Dr. Bruce Saidman, Dr. Selina Luger and staff at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, the staff at General Hospital for Advanced Rehab and the staff of Commonwealth Home Health. Additionally, Dr. Anthony Magdalinski, Frank's nephew, who provided expert advice, guidance and support. Finally, the family would like to recognize the Laflin Fire Department volunteers who stood watch and honored him by helping his transition to the Corcoran Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Maria Goretti Church; or to St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, 39 E. Jackson St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.

For information or to leave Frank's family a message of condolence, please visit www.corcoranfuneralhome.com.