Frank J. DeLost Sr.

Frank J. DeLost, 95, of Strabane, passed away Saturday, January 20, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. He was born August 10, 1922 in Strabane, son of Slovenian immigrants, the late Anton and Mary Tomsic DeLost. Mr. DeLost was well-known around town as a barber. For roughly 40 years, he ran a one-man shop out of his home until he was 90. He attracted a loyal clientele that would often be sitting on his porch early in the morning, waiting for him to open the shop. Mr. DeLost and his customers enjoyed sharing laughs and stories about life, sports and the news of the day. Mr. DeLost attended Alexander School in Strabane and later graduated from Trinity High School in 1947. At the age of 16, he joined a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in Winslow, Arizona, where he barbered and tended to the camp bath house. On October 26, 1942, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in World War II with the Company C 238th Anti Aircraft Artillery Searchlight Battalion for 26 months in New Guinea, New Britain and Luzon, Phillipines. He was awarded Bronze Battle Stars for the Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea and Luzon campaigns. On January 22, 1949, he married Marie K. Giacomelli, of Canonsburg, who passed away March 28, 2012. Mr. DeLost was a lifelong member of SNPJ Lodge 138 and a member of Masonic Chartiers Lodge 297, where he served in many capacities, including Worshipful Master. He worked on construction jobs as a roofer, sold life insurance for Equitable and owned a stock broker investment company. He helped to initiate the Greater Canonsburg Little League and coached for many years. He also served on the Canon McMillan School Board for 13 years. He began most days with a cup of coffee and the newspaper, often greeting the delivery person in the predawn hours. He loved doing the crossword puzzles and would come back to them throughout the day, especially during breaks between haircuts. Mr. DeLost was a regular golfer and played into his early 90's. One of his favorite past times was listening to Slovenian polkas. Later in his life, he took up playing the accordion. Following the death of his wife, he moved to Houston, Texas and later to Fort Myers, Florida, not far from his son Anthony and daughter-in-law Beverly, who were helping to care for him. Mr. DeLost is survived by his children, Barbara (Charles) Swatek of Baltimore, Md., Frank. J. DeLost Jr. of Moon Township, Anthony Paul (Beverly) DeLost of Fort Myers, Florida, and Mary Kay DeLost of Greensburg; three grandchildren, Gregory Paul Swatek, Charlotte Marie Sandkuhler (Zachary) and Brian Charles Swatek; a great granddaughter, Caroline Marie Sandkuhler, and a great grandson, Nathan James Sandkuhler; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are younger brothers, Fred, Edward and Tony (Jean) DeLost, and younger sisters Olga (George) Svitek and Lucy (Rich) Abraham. Private internment will take place in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Memorial contributions in Mr. DeLost's name may be made to the SNPJ Scholarship Fund, 247 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, Pa. 15126. Condolences can be sent to daughter Barbara Ann Swatek, 307 Millwright Circle, Abingdon, Md. 21009 or online at bandcswatek@comcast.net. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

Frank J. DeLost Sr.

August 10, 1922 - January 19, 2018