Francis Salvatore "Frank" Caracciolo

1936 - 2025

Francis "Frank" Salvatore Caracciolo, 89, of DuBois, PA died on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Christ the King Manor surrounded by his loving family.

Born on January 26, 1936, in Brockway, PA, he was the son of the late Francis and Helen (Busatto) Caracciolo.

Frank was a 1953 graduate of Brockway Area High School.

He married Mary Ann (Turk) Caracciolo on Sept. 14, 1957. She preceded him in death in 2002. He later married Frances (Bishop) Lazar on Aug. 21, 2009. Frances survives.

Frank retired from Owens Brockway Glass in 1998. Previously, he worked for the railroad and in sales and accounts management.

Frank was a member of both St. Bernard and St. Tobias Parishes. He served six years in the Army National Guard. Over the years, he belonged to many organizations which included the Falls Creek Eagles as a 50-plus year member, The Lions Club, The American Legion, and The Reynoldsville Sons of Italy. Frank took great pleasure in the fact that he was mayor of Falls Creek and during his term, had married several couples. Frank was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching the Pirates, his "cherished" Phillies, as well as the Steelers. At the age of 44, Frank ran his only marathon in 3 hours, 25 minutes. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fly fishing and hunting. He loved music and played the accordion in a polka band for several years. He was often called on to play polkas and entertain crowds at parties and weddings. Spending time with his family and friends gave him great joy. He attended many sports events, Little League games, concerts and shows of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Frank never missed the opportunity to sing Happy Birthday and send a card to those he loved. He treasured the many friendships he made throughout the years and enjoyed the fellowship he shared with friends from Mt. Zion Methodist Church in more recent years.

In addition to his wife, Frances Lazar, Frank is survived by his four children: Francine Wunderlich, Mansfield, PA; Tony (Roxana) Caracciolo, Maumee, OH; Kathleen (Bert) Ginther, and Denise (Tony) Marchioni, both of Falls Creek, PA. Frank is also survived by a step-daughter, Joanne (Ken) Barbey, DuBois, PA; and step daughter-in-law, Tracy Lazar. Also surviving their Papa Frank are 12 grandchildren: Amanda Kuhlman, Angela, Nick, Bella, and Tony Caracciolo; Steve and Jon Wunderlich; Emily Ford, Alyssa Young, Olivia Marchioni; and Maria and Sophia Ginther; and step-grandchildren: Kristine and Steven Lazar, Preston Freemer, Kenny, Scotty, and Lorianne Barbey. Frank is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren and 7 step great-grandchildren.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Caracciolo, his son-in-law, Charles Wunderlich, his stepson, Michael Lazar, and by his sisters, Barbara Lescalleet and Anna Mary Magistrelli.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at St. Bernard Church, Falls Creek.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow from St. Bernard Church on Thursday at 11 a.m., with Msgr. Charles Kaza as celebrant.

Burial will be St. Tobias Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army, 119 S Jared St., DuBois, PA 15801; Brockway Historical Society, 765 Park St., Brockway, PA 15824; and/or a charity of donor's choice.

The Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences can be sent to www.baronickfuneralhome.com.