Francis Robert Ankenbrand, 69, of Duryea, passed away Friday, May 5, 2023, in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.
Born in Pittston on November 6, 1953, the son of the late John and Elizabeth Price Ankenbrand of Hughestown, Pa.
He was a graduate of Pittston Area High School Class of 1971, Fran was a ghost town actor at Rocky Glenn Amusement Park and proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy aboard the USS Independence CVA-62. Fran became a skilled Mason at the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftsman– 1973-1984. Fran worked for Owens-Illinois / Techneglas Inc. Pittston and retired from Procter and Gamble, Tunkhannock.
Respectfully Fran served as former Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator of the Knights of Columbus, JFK council 372 Fourth Degree Assembly 948, located in Pittston. He was a member of the American Legion Post 0585 in Duryea, member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Thistle Lodge 512 in Pittston. Fran proudly volunteered for the Pittston Meals on Wheels.
Fran will be forever known as the life of the party. He enjoyed music, concerts, bowling, darts, golf, horseshoes, and Loved his Motorcycle.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, James, Joseph, and John Ankenbrand.
Surviving are his wife Patricia Bostock Ankenbrand; sons, Robert Ankenbrand and his wife Alisha Moroz, Baltimore, MD and Darren Ankenbrand, Duryea, Pa; daughter, Jennifer Wilson and her husband Robert, Ashley, Pa; grandchildren, Olivia Ankenbrand; Brooke and Alexa Wilson; sister-in-law, Roseann Ankenbrand, West Pittston, Pa and Helen Ankenbrand, Dallas, Pa; numerous nieces and nephews.
The Family would like to thank the caring doctors at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and the special care Fran received in the ICU & Hospice, Dr. Katherine Moeller, and Dr. Brian Bolden and the entire ICU team were incredible for their outstanding care and compassion.
The family will receive friends and relatives Tuesday, May 9, 2023, from 6pm-8pm in Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 11am in Nativity of Our Lord Parish, 127 Stephenson Street, Duryea. Those wishing to attend are asked to go directly to the church Wednesday morning. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.