Joseph Francis Sank

Ellerslie, Maryland – Joseph Francis Sank (80) passed away October 12, 2023 at UPMC – Western Maryland.
Joseph Francis Sank was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on September 2, 1943, son of Joseph Paul Sank and Mary Agnes (Matia) Sank. He spent his early years in Charles – a coal mining town located in Southeastern Indiana County, Pennsylvania – an experience he cherished his entire life.
He and his brother, Michael, co-authored a book entitled "History of Charles, Pennsylvania 1914-2014". A copy of the book can be found in the archives of several Pennsylvania universities as well as the Smithsonian Institution Library.
Preceded in death by parents and brothers Andrew, John and brother-in-law Dr.Fred Legaspi. Surviving are his wife of 56 years Magdalene (Singel) Sank; sister Mary Kathryn (Sank) Legaspi of Clifton, Virginia; brother Michael Sank of Seward, Pennsylvania; sister-in-law Rebecca Sank of Erie, Pennsylvania; brother-in-law Michael Singel (Mary Anne) of Johnstown, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He attended and graduated from United High School of Armagh, Pennsylvania where he was President of the Senior class. Joe completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from California University of Pennsylvania. During the Ninety Sixth Commencement, he received the Scholarship Award for graduating number one in the field of Industrial Arts. Joe earned a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Frostburg State University. He also did graduate work at the University of Maryland and West Virginia University.
Joe spent 42 years in public education, having taught adult vocational education at Fort Hill School and Industrial Arts at Braddock Junior High/Middle School. He served as Middle School Coordinator for the Allegany County Public Schools. Joe was principal of the Center for Career and Technical Education and principal of Washington Middle School. He was also assistant principal Frankfort Middle School in Mineral County West Virginia. Joe was an instructor in the Department of Technology for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
While principal of CCTE, he was the first recipient of Anna C. DeAmicis Maryland HOSA Life Member Award, Life Member of the Maryland State Education Association and Life Member of the West Virginia Education Association.
Joe lived in the village of Neffsville, PA 55years. He respected and enjoyed his time interacting with students, co-workers, and residents of the tri-state area.
His hobbies and interests included antique cars and gardening. He took pride in raising flowers, fruits (apples), and vegetables.
Member of Our Lady of the Mountains Roman Catholic Parish – SS Peter and Paul Shrine, where he was an usher. Joe and his wife cared for the outside flowers and shrubs at the shrine for over 20 years.
Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, on Tuesday, October 17, from 3-7 pm where a Christian Wake Service will be conducted at 6:30 pm, by Fr. Eric Gauchat, OFM,Cap. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Shrine of SS Peter and Paul, Cumberland, Maryland on Wednesday, October 18, 11 am with Fr. Eric Gauchat,OFM,Cap. assisted by Fr. Mark Carter,OFM,Cap.
Interment will be held at Grandview Cemetery, Johnstown, PA at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Friends of SS Peter and Paul Shrine, Box 1876, Cumberland, Maryland or St. Jude Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.
Condolences may be made at www.scarpellifh.com.