Frank Sokol

The Valley News Dispatch, 8/4/2009

Frank "Sankey" Sokol, 94, of New Kensington, beloved father and grandfather, completed his life journey Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, at H.J. Heinz Veterans Hospice in Aspinwall.

He was born Oct. 8, 1915, in Richmond, Va., a son of the late Matthew and Rosalia (Dupell) Sokol. Sankey was a bricklayer by trade and was a 50-year member of the BAC Local No. 9. He was well-known in the Alle-Kiski area for his craftsmanship. He was a veteran of World War II, where he served as a sergeant in the 106th Infantry in Germany.

Prior to the military, he was a pitcher in the minor leagues from 1937 to 1940, playing for the St. Joseph Angels of Chicago, Richmond Colts, affiliated with the New York Giants, and the Hutchinson Pirates and Hutchinson Larks, Pittsburgh. He also played for the local Morning Star baseball club.

Sankey was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors, spending time in Canada. He was a dedicated Steeler, Penguins and Pirates fan. He enjoyed wood carving, especially World War II planes. He was a life member of the Hunter and Fisherman's Club of Arnold and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in New Kensington.

He is survived by daughters, Sharon Sokol, of Morgantown, W.Va., and Sandra (Ed) Wurmb, of New Kensington; son, Frank (Charlotte) Sokol, of Port Vue, Fla.; brother, Joseph (Lydia) Sokol, of Idaho; grandchildren, Juliette (Tom) Stollings, Holly (Chris) Gates, Tammy Grum, Jennifer (Chris) Mayfield and Frank and Paul Sokol; stepgrandchildren, Shandi (Jim) Sherman and Whitney Wurmb; 10 great-grandchildren, Shaun, Aaron and Collin Gates, Matthew, Kaleb, Michael and Tyler Stollings, Jacob and Kylie Grum and Caieleb Sherman; also many nieces and nephews, especially John Sokol Jr., whom he enjoyed spending time with.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Elvie (Hecker) Sokol; sisters, Helen Cuckich, Wanda Yenkala, Stella David and Jean Badgon; and brothers, Steve and John. Sankey touched many people's lives and will be greatly missed by many.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at FRANK F. GIGLER FUNERAL HOME, 2877 Leechburg Road, Lower Burrell. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society or Veterans with Disabilities.