Francis W. Trickel

Francis W. Trickel, 88 years old, died Saturday evening at Geisinger Community Medical Center surrounded by loving family. Born in Rahway NJ, Francis (Frank) was the son of the late John and Freda Woelfle Trickel. He and his beloved wife of 64 years, Dr. Mary Marken Trickel, made New Jersey their home until retirement.

A senior executive in the corrugated paper industry, Francis retired from International Paper Corp. Aside from his professional career, his detailed craftsmanship in building or remodeling personal home projects was impeccable. His great love for animals knew no bounds, and the Trickel abode was harbor for not only the family pets, but for any injured stray, be it a broken-winged owl or motherless squirrel babies that he could nurse back to a safe environment.

From a very young age, the sport of fishing provided hundreds of hours of challenges, providing the thrill of a large salt water catch, or the tranquility of a quiet trout stream, as evidenced by the trophy mounts that adorn the walls of the family den.

A disabled US Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict, Francis served in the South Pacific, participating in Operation Wigwam, the historic testing of the hydrogen bomb.

Francis was a man of deep faith. Upon retirement, he and Mary built a home in the Poconos to be closer to family. He served as Sacristan and Eucharistic Minister at his former parish, Church of St. Bernadette, Cresco, PA, until declining health precluded full service. A Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4159, he served as St. Bernadette Council #12447 Grand Knight and K of C District Deputy. In 2008, Francis and Mary were installed in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, where he advanced to Knight Commander. He and Mary participated in a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and for their 50th wedding anniversary, renewed their marriage vows at the Wedding Church in Cana of Galilee.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving daughter Debra Trickel, and son-in-law, Paul Jones, of Clark Summit, PA, grandsons, Bernard Kulesa, Matthew Davey, and Daniel Kulesa, USN, and his devoted canine companion, Emee. He was predeceased by his dear daughter, Mary Ellen Kulesa, and brother, Karl Trickel.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Michael Kondash and staff of the Geisinger CMC Progressive Care Unit for their dedicated and compassionate care

The funeral will be Saturday at 11:00 am from the Church of St. Gregory, 330 North Abington Road, Clarks Green, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated. The family will receive relatives and friends Saturday from 10 – 10:50am at the church.

Should you not be able to attend the Mass physically, we would like to invite you to celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial in the comfort of your own home by following the link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczNjI4MjI1MzM0NDM2NiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Rd., S. Abington, PA, 18411, or a charity of one’s choice would be kindly appreciated.