James J. Franciscus, Sr.

Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | February 13, 2023

James J. Franciscus, Sr., 89, of White Oak, passed away Sunday, February 12, 2023. He was born March 11, 1933 in Pittsburgh, and was the son to the late Christopher and Gertrude (Grimm) Franciscus. He was married to the love of his life, the late Johann (Spratt) Franciscus, before she passed away January 23, 2022. James was a Press Driver for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, and a long time member of Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish - St. Michael's. He was the Founder of the South Hills Senior Softball League, 3 different bowling leagues, and loved to play Poker on Thursday nights with the guys.

He is survived by his daughter, Kriss (Joseph) Gralewski, of Yukon, granddaughter, Kelsey (Zac) Lyons, great-granddaughter, Maci, and great-grandson, Levi Joseph; son, James "Red" Franciscus, Jr. of Millvale, grandson, JoJo (Taylor) Franciscus, and granddaughter, Femina Franciscus; daughter, Kathleen (Jeffrey) Kerber, of West Mifflin, grandson, Robert "Bobby" (Mia) Kerber, great-granddaughter, GraceLynn and great-grandson, Jaxston, grandson, Nicholas (Alicia) Kerber, great-grandchildren, Brynn & Sloane Kerber, grandson, Thomas (Becky) Kerber, and great-grandsons, Noah & Cole Kerber; daughter, Jacqueline (William) Webb, of Forward Township, and grandsons, Billy Webb, and Bradley Webb, and pet companions, Kashmir and Charlotte; daughter, Karolyn (David) Husok, of White Oak, granddaughter, Tabatha (Joe) Rush, great-grandchildren, Joey, McKenna, and Jackson, and granddaughter Tiffany Husok, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, James was preceded in death by his grandson, Joey G., and brothers, Joseph, William, and John "Jack" Franciscus. Friends are welcome Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 12 - 6pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, PA 15135. Drew J. Gilbert, director. Memorial Mass will take place Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 10:00am at the Sts. Joachim & Anne Parish - St. Michael's Church - 101 McClay Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037 (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH). Inurnment will follow at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Bridgeville, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the American Heart Association at heart.org/donate. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

Originally published February 13, 2023.

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