Frank Kinnier

1938 - 2022

On November 21, 2022 Frank A. Kinnier, age 84, of Lawton, was called home in the presence of family, after a long battle with Dementia. Even in his last weeks he was still trying to make others smile.
He was born on January 28, 1938 in Long Branch, NJ to the late Jane Frances Kinnier. His father was never known. He attended school at Saxton Liberty High School in Saxton, PA and was a member of the band and chorus.
At 17, though underage, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Gunner on the USS Wisconsin. Which if you knew him personally, you'll recall his, "Scuze be? I'm hard of hearing." He was on board when the USS Eaton collided with them in the fog outside of Virginia. He was asleep at the time but always told how he was jarred awake. He ended his reserve duty and Naval career on the USS Diamond Head.
Frank was employed as an Inspector for the Bendix Corporation for 26 years. When the plant closed, he attended Keystone Junior College and obtained a degree in business, at the age of 60.
He dabbled in art with pen and ink, graphite and even drew and painted the Disney characters on his children's walls in New Jersey. He was a Deputy with the Susquehanna Fish and Game Commission.
He owned and operated the Back Street Java Café on Broad Street in Pittston with his daughter, Michelle, for eight years and he also owned the Zone Café in Montrose. At the Zone Café, he provided a wide range of music for his patrons including local talent such as, Corky Staats, George Wesley, Lorne Clark and Tom Flannery. Frank was a proud member of the South Montrose Conservation Club for many years.
His favorite song and life motto was Frank Sinatra in "I did it my way," and that was the truth.
Frank is survived by his wife, Janet L. (nee Watkins) Kinnier, whom he married on December 14, 1963; his children, Michelle Ramey (Richard) of Lawton, Marc Kinnier (Charlene) of Davenport, FL, Jennifer Kinnier of Carbondale; his grandchildren: Christopher O'Brien of Lansdale, Aaron O'Brien (Allison) of Springville, Nicholas Ross of Carbondale, Shelby Ross of Carbondale, and Brittany Smarkusky (Matt) of West Nicholson; his great-grandchildren: Ethan, Conner, and Elliana O'Brien, Frankie Ross, and Logan Smarkusky; as well as close friends who became family, Kevin Kennedy and Kenneth Visavati.
Besides his mother he was preceded in death by his foster mother, Mrs. McGinthy; his sister, Marie Waldrop; and his brother-in-law, David Watkins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Frank's name to The Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or on their website, www.alz.org.
Arrangements are entrusted with the Sheldon Funeral Home, 155 Church St., Wyalusing, PA. Online condolences may be made at www.SheldonFuneralHomes.com.