January 01, 1970
KABLACH FRANCIS L. “SKIP”
Of Troy Hill, Ross Twp. and Greenspring Village, Springfield, Virginia. Skip died on Monday, June 2, 2014. Beloved husband of the late F. Catherine Kablach of 64 years. Devoted father of Catherine Kablach Gelston (Fred), Susan Kablach Eoannou (Tom), Patricia Kablach Casano (Bill) and Nancy Kablach Condron. Proud grandfather of Joshua, Jessica, Benjamin and Catherine R. Gelston; Michael and Elizabeth Casano; and Ryan and Shelby Condron. Skip also is survived by two of his seven brothers and two sisters, Thomas Kablach (Roberta) and John Kablach (Kylong); his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Horwat (Paul); numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. Skip was born on March 22, 1923, in Homestead, PA, to the late Otto and Mary Erb Kablach. He graduated from Most Holy Name of Jesus grade school on Troy Hill in 1937 and Washington Voc-Tech High. He tried to enlist in the Navy on December 8, 1941, but was declined because he wore glasses. He was able to enlist in July 1942 in the Army, and was called up September 1, 1942. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Corps in India and Burma, and was honorably discharged on December 27, 1945. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, an Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with two bronze stars, and a World War II Victory Medal. He married Catherine on September 6, 1947. He retired from Travelers Insurance Company in 1985. Skip enjoyed his family, his lifelong friends, his work, fixing things, gardening, talking to people, and his almost 30 years of retirement. His favorite times were huge family picnics at North Park and the subsequent and even bigger family reunions, playing cards, golf and tennis, fishing and camping. He had the world’s best sense of direction. Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, June 13, 2014, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at T. B. DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, 806 Perry Highway, North Hills. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2014, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 311 Seibert Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Burial to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 4000 Mt. Troy Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15214. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s Chapel, 1704 Harpster St., Pgh., PA 15212 or St. Sebastian Church.
