Wendell E. Francisco, 91, of Walnut Street, Emlenton, died unexpectedly early Sunday morning at his home.

Mr. Francisco was born May 15, 1918, in Punxsutawney. He was the son of John and Almeda Logue Francisco and was raised in St. Petersburg, Clarion County, by his grandmother, Ada Logue.

Mr. Francisco was a 1936 graduate of the St. Petersburg-Richland High School, and following his return from World War II, he graduated from Grove City College.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army's 337th Infantry and was among America's first soldiers to arrive in Rome, Italy. He was a life member of the VFW and enjoyed attending his military reunions.

He was a longtime member of the Emlenton United Methodist Church, the Parker City-Allegheny Valley Masonic Lodge 521 F&AM and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

In his earlier years, he was an avid hunter and enjoyed gardening, as well as flying kites and fishing with the local children.

Mr. Francisco retired in 1980 after 32 years as an accountant for the Quaker State Refining Corp. in Oil City.

He was married on Jan. 18, 1946, to the former Audrey M. Milliren. She preceded him in death on Dec. 7, 2009.

Surviving are a brother and his wife, Jack and Janet Francisco of New Holland, Pa.; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ruth and Chuck Vasey of St. Petersburg; and a number of nieces and nephews. Also surviving are close friends, Tom and Kim Ray of Petrolia and Bob Rapp of Emlenton; his caretaker, Tammy King, and his housekeeper, Dorothy Parson, both of Emlenton.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Francisco was preceded in death by a sister, Grace Shoup.

<B>FRANCISCO</B> — Friends of Wendell E. Francisco, who died Sunday, March 21, 2010, will be received from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Emlenton United Methodist Church, 1303 Kerr Ave., Emlenton. Funeral services will follow at the church at 2 p.m. with the Rev. James W. Kimmel, church pastor, and the Rev. Deborah K. Jacobson, pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church, St. Petersburg, co-officiating. Interment will be in the St. Petersburg Cemetery.Memorial contributions in Mr. Francisco's memory may be made to the Emlenton United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 721, Emlenton, PA 16373 or to the Emlenton Area Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 346, Emlenton, PA 16373.Arrangements are under the direction of <B>Hile Funeral Home</B>, Emlenton. For additional information, directions, or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.