Frank R. Mascara

U.S. Congressman Frank R. Mascara, 81, of Charleroi, died on Sunday, July 10, 2011. Born on January 19, 1930, in Belle Vernon, he was the son of the late Eugene and Mary (Flora) Mascara. He was a member of Mary, Mother of the Church, Charleroi, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is a graduate of Vernon High School, where he played football and is a member of the Belle Vernon Area Football Hall of Fame. He went on to play at the University of Pittsburgh 1950 undefeated freshman team, and with the Monessen Ravens semi-pro football team. Frank graduated from California University of Pennsylvania, with a B.S. in education with highest honors. In addition, Frank was awarded two honorary doctorate degrees: Doctor of Laws, Washington & Jefferson, and Doctorate of Public Service from California University of Pennsylvania. He was a small businessman, accountant, and educator before entering into politics in 1973, when he was first elected as Washington County Controller. In 1980, he was elected chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. In 1994, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat representing the 20th District of Pa. The 20th district included Washington and Greene counties, and portions of Fayette, Westmoreland, and Allegheny counties. In Congress, he was a member of the House Transportation Committee, the House Committee on Government Reform, and the House Banking Committee. He was sent by President Clinton to Bosnia as a member of a team to oversee their first free elections. He retired from Congress in January of 2003. Frank is survived by his wife, Dolores (Mendola) Mascara, of Charleroi; sons, Jon (Jill) Mascara, of Belle Vernon, and Frank (Jeannie) Mascara, of West Palm Beach, Fla.; daughter, Karen (Buddy) Talbert, of Belle Vernon; daughter-in-law, Lisa Mascara, of Washington, Pa.; brother, John Mascara, of Florida; sisters-in-law, Shirley Valla, of Charleroi, and Bonnie (Ed) Rizzuto, of Temecula, Calif.; grandchildren, Matthew and Mark Mascara, Kylie, Mariah, Jameson, and Sammy Mascara, Maria, Frankie, and Marcy Mascara, and Justin and Adam Talbert; great-grandchildren, Mason and Chase Rodriguez; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his son, Judge Mark E. Mascara, on June 11, 2010; brothers, Augustine, Eugene, and Thomas Mascara; and brother-in law and wife, Edward and Jean Mendola. Friends will be received on Thursday, July 14, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., and Friday, July 15, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the CARL J. SPALLINO FUNERAL HOME, 819 Fallowfield Ave, Charleroi, PA 15022 (724) 483-5545. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, July 16, at 10 a.m. in Mary, Mother of the Church, 624 Washington Ave., Charleroi, with Rev. Gerald Mikonis, Pastor, celebrating. Friends are asked to meet at the church on Saturday. Entombment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Carroll Township, with full military honors conducted by the Charleroi American Legion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Mary, Mother of the Church. Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home website, www.spallinofuneralhome.com.