Frank Joseph Covaleski

Frank Joseph Covaleski, 80, of Washington, died Monday, August 17, 2009, in the Washington Hospital. He was born August 21, 1928, in Washington, a son of John and Victoria Covaleski. Mr. Covaleski was a 1946 graduate of Washington High School. While in high school, he worked for Jack Hart Clothing Store and G.C. Murphy Company as a stock boy. On September 11, 1946, he enlisted in the United States Army. After basic training, he was sent to Japan where he attended the 8th Army Signal Corps School. After completing signal school, he stayed in Japan and was assigned to Company A, 62nd Signal Battalion, where he worked as a supply clerk and also pitched for the post’s baseball team. He was discharged December 18, 1947, with a rank of corporal. For his service he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal – Japan. In 1949, he enrolled in the electrician’s program at Connelly Trade School, Pittsburgh. After completing school, he worked briefly at Hazel Atlas #1 before going to work for Pennsylvania Transformer Company, Canonsburg, in March 1951. He worked as an electrical tester there until his retirement on June 15, 1987. Mr. Covaleski was a member of Houston American Legion, the VFW in Canonsburg, the Bears Club and the Pulaski Club, where he served as financial secretary and recording secretary. He was also a member of Polish National Alliance (PNA) Lodge #2476, where he served as financial secretary, and PNA council 154, where he served as secretary. He enjoyed woodworking in his spare time. Mr. Covaleski attended Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Meadowlands and St. Hilary Roman Catholic Church in Washington. Surviving are a daughter, Deborah (Thomas) Dobbins of Coshocton, Ohio; two sisters, Josephine Battles of Mentor, Ohio, and Sophia Lekwart of Washington; two grandchildren, Bethany Cantrell and Jonathan Hurst; and his companion of many years, Marlene Deren. Deceased is a daughter, Vicki Rae Covaleski. Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, August 21st, in St. Hilary Church, with Father Thomas O’Neil as celebrant. Burial will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion.