Frank Pochiba
U.S. Army WWII veteran, General Motors retiree
Frank Pochiba, 87, of Canonsburg, passed away peacefully, Sunday, November 24, 2013, in his home, with his family by his side.
He was born January 24, 1926, in Linden, North Strabane Township, a son of the late Andrew and Anna Kotvas Pochiba.
Mr. Pochiba lived most of his life in Canonsburg, where he was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church.
He served as a sergeant with the U.S. Army 32nd Cavalry during World War II in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was an expert infantry marksman who was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal for good conduct and the Victory Medal from American Theater service.
Mr. Pochiba was presented an honorary diploma from Trinity High School along with other veterans who enlisted in the service before completing their education.
He was a founding and charter member of North Strabane Volunteer Fire Department.
Prior to his retirement, he had been employed for 36 years as a master craftsman in tool-and-die setup at General Motors Fischer Body Division.
He was a member of United Auto Workers of America and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 of Canonsburg.
Mr. Pochiba enjoyed gardening, restoring antique vehicles, hunting, fishing, building family homes and Slovenian polka dancing. He most treasured sharing his life experiences with his children and grandchildren.
On November 23, 1946, he married Irma Kern, who survives, after 67 years of marriage.
Also surviving are three children, Patricia Rubic, Barry (Rose Marie) Pochiba and Lori Pochiba (the late Benzy) Rathbone; three grandchildren, Brian (Elizabeth) Pochiba, Jessica (Giovani) Rathbone Davila and Emily Rathbone; two great-grandchildren, Seth and Mira Pochiba; two brothers, Joseph and John Pochiba; two sisters, Evelyn Gulla and Katherine Kissell; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are five sisters, Ann Wudkwych, Frances Sroka, Julia Gronski, Helen Sluciak and Mary Kowalski; and a brother, Andrew Pochiba.
Friends and family are welcome from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the time of departing prayers, Tuesday, November 26, in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, followed at 1 p.m. by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick Church. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township, with full military rites accorded by VFW Post 191 and American Legion Post 902 Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Worriers Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.