Frank J. DeLost
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Frank J. DeLost, 95, of Strabane, passed away Friday, January 19, 2018, in Fort Myers, Fla.
He was born August 10, 1922, in Strabane, a son of Slovenian immigrants, the late Anton and Mary Tomsic DeLost.
Mr. DeLost was well-known around town as a barber. For roughly 40 years, he ran a one-man shop out of his home until he was 90. He attracted a loyal clientele that would often be sitting on his porch early in the morning, waiting for him to open the shop. Mr. DeLost and his customers enjoyed sharing laughs and stories about life, sports and the news of the day.
Mr. DeLost attended Alexander School in Strabane and later graduated from Trinity High School in 1947.
At 16, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, being assigned to a camp near Winslow, Ariz., where he barbered and tended to the camp bath house. On October 26, 1942, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in World War II with Company C 238th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Searchlight Battalion for 26 months in New Guinea, New Britain and Luzon, Philippines. He was awarded Bronze Battle Stars for the Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea and Luzon campaigns.
On January 22, 1949, he married Marie K. Giacomelli, of Canonsburg, who passed away March 28, 2012.
Mr. DeLost was a lifelong member of Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ) Lodge 138 and also a member of Chartiers Lodge 297 (Canonsburg) of the Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, where he served in many capacities, including worshipful master. He worked on construction jobs as a roofer, sold life insurance and co-owned a stock broker investment company. He helped to initiate Greater Canonsburg Little League and coached for many years. He also served on Canon McMillan School Board for 13 years.
He began most days with a cup of coffee and the newspaper, often greeting the delivery person in the predawn hours. He loved doing crossword puzzles and would come back to them throughout the day, especially during breaks between haircuts.
Mr. DeLost was an avid golfer, playing into his early 90s. One of his favorite pastimes was listening to Slovenian polkas. Later in life, he took up playing the button box accordion.
Following the death of his wife, he moved to Houston, Texas, and later to Fort Myers, Fla., not far from his son Anthony and daughter-in-law Beverly, whom were helping to care for him.
Mr. DeLost is survived by his children, Barbara Ann (Charles) Swatek of Baltimore, Md., Frank. J. DeLost Jr. of Moon Township, Anthony Paul (Beverly) DeLost of Estero, Fla., and Mary Kay DeLost; three grandchildren, Gregory Paul Swatek, Charlotte Marie (Zachary) Sandkuhler and Brian Charles Swatek; a great-granddaughter, Caroline Marie Sandkuhler; and a great-grandson, Nathan James Sandkuhler; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are younger brothers, Fred (survived by wife Sarah), Edward and Tony (Jean) DeLost, and younger sisters Olga (George) Svitek and Lucy (Rich) Abraham.
Private interment will take place in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Memorial contributions in Mr. DeLost’s name may be made to SNPJ Scholarship Fund, 247 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, PA 15126. Condolences can be sent to daughter Barbara Ann Swatek, 307 Millwright Circle, Abingdon, MD 21009 or to bandcswatek@comcast.net.