Frank Chelko

Frank A. Chelko, 93, of Harrison Township, Allegheny County, passed peacefully from this world Saturday as he was surrounded by his family.

He was born April 2, 1919, in Brackenridge to the late Julius and Mary (Knotek) Chelko.

A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served with the 79th Infantry Division as an advance scout. Among his many awards were the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the President's Unit Citation and the European Theater of Operation Medal. He was in the D-Day Normandy Invasion. Along with family members, he had the opportunity to return to France on the 49th anniversary of the invasion.

After the war he opened his own butcher shop and grocery store. After the closing of his market, he operated Frank A. Chelko Printing until his retirement.

Among his many hobbies, he enjoyed gardening, woodworking and rebuilding motors. He had a passion for learning new things and was a mentor to family and friends. He built several houses for family members and himself. He loved his camp and spending time with his grandchildren. After his wife's passing, Jasmine, his golden retriever, gave him much comfort.

Mr. Chelko was a lifelong member of the St. Mathias Church in Natrona. He was a member of the VFW Post 894 of Natrona Heights and was a charter member of the American Legion Post 226 in Brackenridge, where he was the oldest member.

His survivors include his two sons, Francis L. Chelko (Galen) of Warriors Mark, Pa., and Bernard J. Chelko (Mona Jean) of Cabot; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Patricia) Lisco of Harrison Township and Mrs. Lawrence (Judith) Wasierski of Harrison Township; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; numerous nephews and nieces; and two brothers, Louis Chelko of Cleveland, Ohio, and William Chelko (Frances) of Harrison Township.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Julius Chelko and Mary Rose Knotek; his wife of 57 years, Bernardine M. Jancech Chelko, who died March 27, 1999; a brother, Joseph Chelko; two sisters, Rose Brestensky and Amelia Baranowski; and a grandson, Jason Chelko.

CHELKO — The family of Frank A. Chelko, who passed away Saturday, June 30, 2012, will receive friends in the KRYNICKI FUNERAL HOME, 1007 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, Pa., from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. A Mass at the Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church will be at 10 a.m. Friday.Following the Mass, the burial will be at Mount Airy Cemetery, Harrison Township. Full military honors will be accorded at the cemetery.Condolences may be given at www.krynickifh.com