Frank J. Kmett

KMETT - Frank J. “Fritz,” 92, Johnstown, passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, 2008. Born Oct. 3, 1915, in Johnstown, son of Andrew and Theresa (Soos) Kmett. Preceded in death by parents; loving wife of 55 years, Victoria (Kivon) Kmett; brothers, Andrew and Joseph Kmett; and sisters, Anna Kresak and Irene Budd. Survived by son, Bill Kmett and daughter, Barbara, married to Paul Miller. Also survived by granddaughter, Brandi J. Kmett, and grandson, Paul Miller Jr., wife, Mary, and their children, Jewely and Makenzie, of Hollsopple. A brother of Mary Lucas and John Kmett. Frank served his country as a master sergeant during World War II. He was captured at the Battle of Kasserine in North Africa on Feb. 27, 1943. He was a prisoner of War until his release on May 2, 1945. He received numerous military honors, including a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, and European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with two Bronze stars. He also served as sergeant of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Frank retired from Bethlehem Steel Corp. as a blacksmith. He also worked for National Radiator Co. A member of the Am-Slo Club, where he was a former steward. Lifelong member of the former SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Woodvale. Frank enjoyed fishing, gardening, working around the yard and spending time with his beloved dogs. A member of St. John Gualbert Cathedral, where funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, the Rev. Monsignor George B. Flinn. Committal at the SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, where the VFW Post 155 Ritual Team will bestow honors. Friends received from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc., Broad Street, where vigil for the deceased will be held Wednesday.