Frank J. LaGreca

Frank J. LaGreca, 89, of Dillsboro passed away Sunday, December 4, 2022 at Norton Women's and Children's Hospital in Louisville. He was born in East Rutherford, New Jersey on April 16, 1933, the son of Joseph and Grace Marlino LaGreca. He was married to Beatrice Edwards on November 22, 1954 and she preceded him in death on October 31, 1997. He was married to Eileen Vogel Hunger on May 25, 2002 and she survives. Other survivors include five sons David (Amy) LaGreca of Cincinnati, Steve (Susie) LaGreca of Bear Branch, Mark LaGreca of Dillsboro, Steve (Conda) Hunger of Greencastle, and Bradley Hunger of North Vernon; one daughter Jean (David) Ocha of New Mexico; son-in-law Jerry Martin of Moores Hill; 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson; one brother Sal (Cathy) LaGreca of New Jersey. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his sons Danny LaGreca and Mark Hunger, and his daughter Michele Martin. Frank graduated from East Rutherford High School in 1951 where he was a standout football player. He had been awarded a scholarship on the college level, but was injured in the last game of the season which forced him to forfeit his college football career. Later in 1951 he joined the US Navy and was assigned to radio communications using short wave radio on the USS Wisconsin during the Korean War. Frank was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1955 after which he began his working career. He was employed with Motorola, Conn Organ, and retired as an electrical engineer from the Medical Division of Siemans in Tennessee. During his time in Tennessee, Frank was instrumental in preserving Royal Blue, a large recreational and conservation area. After his retirement he moved back to Indiana. He loved hunting from when he went with his father until this past September which was the first hunting season he had missed since he was a teenager. During retirement he worked for Ohio Travel Treasures in Cincinnati as a step on tour guide of the Tri-County area. He loved meeting the people and always had stories and jokes to tell the travelers. Frank also worked for the NMLRA in Friendship where he enjoyed meeting people through the spring and fall shoots. Frank's passion was flying and he had his pilot's license and had flown float planes and Cessna 172's, later returning to remote control flying. He had partnered with two friends to purchase a Champion 7 EC plane. Frank was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Olean, AOPA, Air Masters RC Flying Club in North Bend, Ohio, and the American Legion. Frank's wishes were to be cremated and a celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, December 14th at 12pm at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean with Pastor Dennis Zimmerman officiating. Visitation will begin at 10am. Memorials may be given to The Special Olympics or the Downs Syndrome Foundation in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.