Francis D. Sarp

1936 - 2025

Francis D. Sarp, 89, of Latrobe, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at his home. Born April 20, 1936, in Derry, he was the son of the late Lydia Mastrorocco Sarp and Frank Sarp. Francis was a member of Holy Family Church, Latrobe, and a 1954 graduate of Latrobe High School. He retired as a maintenance foreman from Latrobe Brewing Company, formerly Rolling Rock, after 38 years of service. A U.S. Army veteran, he served honorably in the 82nd Airborne Division during the Korean War conflict. Throughout the 1970s Steelers championship years, he bartended at the 19th Hole in Latrobe, where he became friends with both players and celebrities who would stop after training camp. From those encounters, he had many fun stories to tell. He was also a volunteer firefighter and fought the Saint Vincent College fire that occurred on Jan. 28, 1963. Francis will be remembered as a hard worker, loving father, and adoring grandfather who had a passion for the needs of his family and others. With a great sense of humor, he always had a smile on his face. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and especially loved the Steelers. He had both a great interest in and knowledge of history, geography, and science. He never needed a map or GPS and could tell you directions after driving somewhere just one time. A proud Democrat and union member, he was a staunch supporter of unions, the middle class, and minorities. In addition to his parents, Francis was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Rose Moranelli Sarp, on July 30, 2017. Francis is survived by five children, Linda M. Epstein and her husband, Matthew, of Los Angeles, CA, Daniel F. Sarp of New York City, Karen L. Sarp and Craig Smith of Latrobe, Thomas K. Sarp and his wife, Cindy, of Latrobe, and Kevin M. Sarp and his wife, Margie, of Latrobe; six adoring grandchildren, Kayla, Joshua, Adam, Nina, Lorenzo, and Elena; his brothers, David Sarp, Eugene Sarp, and Tom Sarp; his brother-in-law, John Jacobs; his longtime friend, Vince Antinori; numerous nieces and nephews; and grandpuppies that he loved dearly. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of Francis' personal caregivers for their compassionate care, and a very special thanks to Dr. Donald Jakubek for his outstanding and compassionate care through the years; it is greatly appreciated. Also, a special thank you to Angie and her team at the Latrobe Walgreens Pharmacy for all of your help. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME LLC, 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. Military services will be conducted at 9:15 a.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in the funeral home, by the Latrobe Derry Veterans Honor Guard. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Holy Family Church, Latrobe. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com.