Francis C. Mamola

     Mr. Francis C. Mamola, 90 years, 6 months and 23 days in our company; a well known and respected member of Wilkes-Barre's North End neighborhood, passed peacefully into eternal life Sunday afternoon in the comfort of his residence, with his family at his bedside.

     Born on Friday, February 20, 1931 in Wilkes-Barre, he was one of five children to the late Joseph and Mary (Jascur) Mamola.  Educated in the city schools, he was a 1949 graduate of the former James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.

     Following his formal education, Mr. Mamola proudly served our country with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict for two years.  During his tour of duty, he was assigned to guard Chinese prisoners of war.

     In his youth, Francis was employed by the former Prospect Colliery in Plains and the Lehigh Valley Coal Company for a few years as a breaker boy.   In high school, he was employed by the Sunoco Gas Station, formerly on North River Street for 10 cents per hour. He also worked at the former Yudivitz Junk Yard for 35 cents per hour.

     Until his retirement, Mr. Mamola was employed as a postal clerk for the United States Postal Service, Wilkes-Barre office for a number of years.

     Proud of his Catholic faith, he was a member of the Parish of Saint Andre Bessette, North Wilkes-Barre and also held membership in the Brookside Post #837 and the Joseph E. Conlon Post #558, both of the American Legion; The Korean War Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #283 of Kingston.   He was also a member of the North End Slovak Citizens Club for many years.

     Following his formal retirement, Mr. Mamola did not sit idly.  He served as a school crossing guard for the Wilkes-Barre Area School District at the Daniel J. Flood Elementary School in North End for 19 years, making many friends as he protected the neighborhood's youth.

     He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, the former Alice B. (Jamica) Mamola, almost a year to the date, on September 14, 2020;  At the time of Mrs. Mamola's passing, the couple shared 64 years of married life together.  Also preceding him were an infant sister; Maria Mamola; Brothers, Raymond Mamola and John "Jackie" Mamola; an infant granddaughter, Emma Vodzak in 2004; and a son-in-law, Mr. Robert A. "Bobby" Baloga in 2015.

     Left to cherish the wonderful memories they share of their father are his children, Karen Baloga of Plains; David of Dallas; Matthew, at home; Luke and his wife Dina of Dallas, along with Mary Vodzak and her husband James of Bear Creek;  Grandchildren, including Caroline Dougherty and her husband Jim; , Payton and Katie Mamola; Great-grandchildren, Anna and Veronica;   Brother, Joseph Mamola of Parsons; Sister, Ursula Kozemko of Kingston, Several Nieces, Nephews, neighbors and many dear friends.

     Funeral services for Mr. Mamola will be conducted on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish of Saint Andre Bessette, 668 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre.  The Reverend Kenneth M. Seegar, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.   

     Those attending services are asked to assemble directly at church by 9:45 a.m.

     Interment with the rite of committal will follow next to his wife in Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Cemetery of Saint Andre Bessette Parish, Dorchester Drive, Dallas.

     Relatives and friends may join the Mamola family for visitation and shared remembrances Tuesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre.

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