Kenneth D. Francis, Sr., 87, of Avoca, passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2022, in Mountain View Care Center, Scranton. He and his loving and devoted wife, Ann Starzec Francis, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on August 18, 2022.
Born in Scranton, he was a son of the late David and Mary Lucas Francis.
He was a graduate of Moosic High School, Class of 1952. Ken was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served during the Korean War. Prior to retirement, he was employed by the US Postal Service, Scranton.
He was a member of SS Peter & Paul Church, Avoca, prior to its closure and current member of Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Duryea and the American Legion Post 604, Moosic. In his earlier years, Ken was a coach for the Moosic Little League and then for the Avoca Little League and Teeners League, for 15 years.
Ken was a beloved husband, dad, Papa and friend. He was cherished by his family and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His greatest joy was time spent with his grandsons. He was always there for their special events and was so proud of all their achievements. In the past few years Papa enjoyed when his grandsons would take him for long car rides while listening to Johnny Cash.
Ken loved sports and was an avid fan of the NY Mets and Penn State football.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. John Diakiw, for his care over the years and to the staff at Mountain View Care Center, Scranton, for the compassionate care given to Ken during his recent stay.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Kenneth Francis, Jr. and wife, Mary, Moosic and Joseph Francis and wife, Cindy, Falls; grandsons, Kenneth, III and Andrew Francis; aunt, Janet Jasuta; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The funeral will be 9:15 AM Tuesday, October 25, 2022 from Baloga Funeral Home, Inc., 1201 Main Street, Pittston (Port Griffith), with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Nativity of Our Lord Parish 127 Stephenson Street, Duryea. Interment will be in SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, Moosic.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.