Frank H. Birner
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Frank H. Birner Jr., 77, of Center Township, passed away Saturday morning, January 20, 2018, in Villa St. Joseph of Baden.
Born July 26, 1940, he was a son of the late Frank H. Sr. and Jennie D Muscovich Birner.
He grew up in Monaca. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and spent nearly five years seeing many parts of the world. He loved to tell stories of places he’d flown while hitching an “unofficial” ride in a plane’s jump seat. After having worked in a friend’s family bakery during his teen years, the USAF is where he continued to hone his craft as a baker.
After the Air Force, he returned to Beaver County, began working as a steelworker in Aliquippa at J & L Steel and married his love, Loretta, in 1965. They spent many years building a home, enjoying their growing neighborhood, spending time with extended family, and focusing on one another. In 1978, their only son was born.
When the mill shut down in the early ’80s, he reconnected with his baking craft and began a new career in the Rochester Giant Eagle’s bakery department, where he showed many co-workers the tricks he had learned from “old-timers” back in the service.
He was a resolute man with a soft heart. His passions included fishing, hunting, woodworking, gardening and “putzing” to fix things that had broken around the house – all activities that he shared with his son. He was also his son’s No. 1 baseball catch partner, setting up a mound and home plate in his backyard. He became a mentor to his son, David, in more ways than he ever knew at the time.
In his later years, he took great pride in his granddaughter, Melody, who could light up his face like no other. They loved to share bear hugs and silly faces.
He was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus 5625.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Loretta J. Lovas Birner; son Dave (Mellory) Birner; granddaughter Melody Birner; brother Robert Birner; sister Lois J. Evans; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Gabriel and an uncle, Frank Muscovich.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where a blessing service will be held at noon Friday with the Rev. Father Martin R. Bartel, OSB, officiating. Interment will follow with military honors in National Cemetery of Alleghenies, Cecil Township.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired, in Mr. Birner’s memory to either Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Center Township, PA 15001, or the children’s department of the donor’s local library.
The doctors, nurses and staff of Villa St. Joseph are appreciated for the compassionate care he received.
To share condolences, get directions and other information, visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.