A. Francis "Frank" Riofski Jr.

Attorney A. Francis Riofski Jr., of Wilkes-Barre, and formerly of Dallas, Pa., known as Frank to his family and friends, passed away peacefully at Allied Hospice, Wilkes-Barre, on Nov. 15, at the age of 87. Frank is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Anthony Riofski, and mother, Helen Warkomski Riofski; and sister, Marilyn Riofski Kozloski.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Shutta Riofski, to whom he had been married for 63 years. Other survivors and extended family include brother-in-law, Harry Kozloski, and his daughter, Elena; sister-in-law, JoAnn Kowalski, and her three sons and their wives, Daniel (Leona), James (Paula), and Richard (Corrina); brother-in-law, Steve Shutta (wife, Ann), and their two children, Michael (Tiffany) and Maria Drake (Jim); nieces, Lisa (Lou) Ruzzi and Joy (Bob) Reap. Also included are numerous great-nephews, nieces, cousins, and their spouses. His feline buddies, Archie and Cocoa, are also left to mourn.

Frank was a graduate of Wyoming Seminary, Wilkes University, and Harvard Law School. Upon graduation from Wilkes, he took a position with the Wilkes-Barre Redevelopment Authority, where he headed the real estate department for three years. He then entered Harvard Law School. While at law school, he worked with the Mass Bay Redevelopment Authority as a real estate specialist. Upon returning to the Valley, Frank worked with a large law firm locally, then joined the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority during the aftermath of the Agnes Flood where he oversaw the activities of 65 private attorneys under contract with the Authority to assist in property acquisitions throughout the flood stricken areas of Luzerne County, which amounted to more than 1,000 properties acquired by the County RA. It was Frank's responsibility not only to oversee the coordination of the private attorneys but also to develop policies and procedures for each to follow in meeting the requirements of new provisions in the PA Eminent Domain Code to accommodate and address the unique circumstances caused by flooding in Luzerne County. After his success at the Authority, he entered private practice and concluded his legal career with a stellar reputation as a real estate expert.

Frank's loss is shared by his family, as well as by the attorneys who worked with him and other real estate professionals with whom he interacted.

His family, friends, and clients knew Frank to be kind, friendly, and compassionate. His disarming smile and gentleness followed him throughout his life, even until his last few months when his illness became debilitating. Frank was one of about 300,000 polio survivors in the U.S.; he was afflicted with right arm paralysis at the age of 13, two years before widespread vaccination. His affliction created in him compassion to the downtrodden, infirm, and elderly. His empathetic heart extended to his love for animals; he often provided winter food for creatures all around him, often rescuing those who were abandoned or lost.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Frank's life at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, in Fellowship Church at 45 Hildebrandt Road, Dallas, Pa. A visitation with a luncheon will be held in the Church Community Room immediately after the service. Interment will be held privately by family. Memorial donations may be made in Frank's name to Fellowship Church Benevolent Fund, Hildebrandt Rd., Dallas, PA 18612.