Henry A. Franchek

Henry A. Franchek, of Findlay Township, Imperial, PA, at the blessed age of 102, passed away on Thursday morning, February 6, 2025, at Victoria Manor in Oakdale, PA.  Henry was born on November 21, 1922, in North Fayette Township, Cliff Mine, PA, the eleventh in a family of twelve children and son to the late Anna and Stefan Franchek; devoted and loving husband of 74 years to the late M. Dolores “Dede” Franchek who passed on February 3, 2024; beloved father to Diane (Frank) Boyd and George Franchek (Mary Ann McMahon); adored grandfather to Frank (Beth) Boyd, George (Kristi) Franchek, Jason (Lori) Boyd, Pam Franchek, and Ron Boyd (Beth Fordyze); cherished great-grandfather to Randi Franchek, Derek (Laina) Franchek, Kameron Heinlein, Ethan (Sarah) Boyd, Rylee Boyd, Mason Boyd, Emily Boyd, Madison Boyd, Alyssa Fordyze, and Destiny Fordyze; great-great-grandfather to one precious great-great-grandson, Atlas Boyd; brother to his eleven siblings: the late Steve, Frank, Anna, Joseph, Angelina, Mary, Johnny, Helen, Emil, William, and Albert.

With the death of Henry’s father at an early age, he worked to help his mother and family until the war broke out.  At that time, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was drafted as a Medical Assistant.  After arriving back from the war, Henry met and married his wife, Dolores “Dede” Hughes.  After the birth of their children, Diane and George, he built his own home in Imperial.  Henry loved to cut trees and split wood.  He was also an active member of the Imperial VFW Post 7714.  Henry’s favorite hobbies were gardening, winemaking, and spending hours tinkering on projects in his basement.

Henry had a large family which also included many nieces and nephews who were wonderful to him.  At the family reunions, he was known as the King of Horseshoes.  Henry loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandson and was proud of them all.  Rest in peace, Henry.

Family to receive friends on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., at HERRICK COMPASSIONATE FUNERAL SERVICE, PC, Edward M. Herrick, Supervisor/Owner, 951 Cliff Mine Road, North Fayette Township, Imperial, PA, (724) 695-7332.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Isidore the Farmer Parish at St. Columbkille Church, followed by burial at St. Columbkille Cemetery.  It is respectfully requested that donations in Henry’s name be sent to UPMC Children’s Hospital, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, or Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, 1102 Western Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15233.

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