Final Salute

Francis J. Goncalves Obituary

Francis J. Goncalves, 84, of Englewood, Frackville, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 7, 2018.

Born in Ashland on Feb. 26, 1934, he was a son of the late Anthony and Antoinette (Polidore) Goncalves.

He was a 1952 graduate of the former Mount Carmel Catholic High School.

Francis was a decorated U.S. Navy veteran, having served during the Korean War era. He was assigned to the Naval Construction Battalion known as the “Seabees” and served on an Admiral Byrd Expedition to Antarctic.

Prior to his retirement, he worked for the former Kraft Foods and Packaging Resources in Mount Carmel Township in the quality control department.

On May 23, 1964, in the Annunciation BVM Church, Shenandoah, he married the former Mary P. Donovan, who survives.

He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Frackville.

Francis was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, Sarto Council 1322, Ashland, and was a 4th Degree member of Assembly 923, Pottsville.

He was an avid train fan and enjoyed model railroading. He was a member of the Tamaqua Model Railroad Club.

He was also a life member of the Friendship Fire Company No. 1, Englewood, Butler Township.

Francis was a member and past president of Centralia Borough Council, where he was instrumental in building the new municipal complex.

He enjoyed fishing and was a former Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 169, Centralia.

In addition to his wife of over 54 years, Mary P. Goncalves, survivors include a daughter, Denise Goncalves, of Frackville; a son, Joseph Goncalves and his companion, Renie Marie Matangos, of Harrisburg; two grandchildren, Dominic Goncalves and Kaitlin Merritt, both of Harrisburg; one brother, Anthony Goncalves and his wife, Janice, of Annapolis, Maryland; nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends and his granddog “Cuzin.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Joseph the Worker Parish, the Church of Saint Ann, 49 North Line St., Frackville. Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Ignatius Cemetery, Centralia.

A viewing will be held from 8 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday in St. Ann’s Church. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Saint Joseph the Worker Parish Memorial Fund, 7 S. Broad Mountain Ave., Frackville, 17931.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah, is in charge of the arrangements. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.woffuneralhome.com.