Frank A. Merendino Sr.

1934 - 2022

Frank Anthony Merendino Sr., a lifelong resident of Connellsville, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on April 11, 2022, at his home at the age of 87. Born Aug. 16, 1934, in Connellsville, the son of Felicia "Edith" (D'Agostino) and Francesco Merendino. Frank married Valeria Kotch on Sept. 15, 1956.

Frank graduated from the Connellsville High School Class of 1952, where he was active in planning class reunions for many years. He was proud to have served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Frank attended the University of Pittsburgh.

Following his retirement from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, he was a consultant with Trumbull Corp. and Michael Baker Engineering and was a very active member of the A.S.H.E. (American Society of Highway Engineers) for many years.

He was a lifelong member of St. Rita's Parish in Connellsville.

Frank loved his trips to his father's hometown of Raccuja, Sicily, Italy. He enjoyed the Knights of Columbus Golf League, gardening, was an avid bird watcher and he especially loved spending time with his family and friends.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Valeria. He is also survived by his loving daughters, Amy Shelkey and husband, Rick, Lori Williams and husband Brian, Jodi Kalp, and Valerie Sandzimier and husband Joe, all of Connellsville; and his loving son, Frank Jr. and his wife, Kim of Denver, Colorado.

He is survived by his loving grandchildren and their spouses whom he loved dearly and they loved and admired him greatly, Franklin "Ricky" Shelkey and wife, Liz, Cody Shelkey, Jamie Shelkey, Leah Williams and Matthew Williams, Kylee Langley and husband, Chad, Frank Merendino III, and wife, Jasmine, Ashlee Kalp, Allison Kalp and Josh DeWitt, Lauren Stepenosky and husband, Scott, Caitlin

McCormick Lacerda and husband, Vinny, and Morgan Sandzimier; his great-grandchildren, Gianna, Lincoln, Jameson, Avanelle, Kenlee, Eli, Mya, Naomy and Nichollas. He loved all his many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loving brother and sister-in-law, Anthony "Nino" and Kaye Merendino of Connellsville.

Frank was predeceased by his grandson, Jacob Shelkey, whom he missed dearly, and his son-in-law, Ken Kalp; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Grace "Chub" and Pete Osler and Antonetta "Nettie" and Ron McKlveen; his sister in-law and brothers-in-law, Dolores and Bill Ward, and Bill McEvilly. Family and friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. Friday in the Brooks Funeral Home Inc., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville, where services will be held on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. with Fr. Arnel Tadeo officiating. Interment will follow in St. Rita's Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the Connellsville VFW and American Legion Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Holy Trinity Conference, PO Box 375, Connellsville, PA 15425.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Paula Shoemaker and Deanna Loya. To offer a condolence or remembrance please visit www.brooksfuneralhomes.com