FRANCESCO “FRANK” DeCARIA

Frank was born on March 25, 1945, in Steubenville, Ohio, a son of the late Gaspare “Lawrence” and Angelica “Dato” DeCaria.

He was a graduate of Weirton Madonna High School and continued his education at Duquesne University and Marquette University.

In 1974, Frank married Sheila Doherty DeCaria, and together they were blessed with one son, three daughters, and nine grandchildren.

In addition to working in the family business, Frank devoted his life to education. He began his career at Lawrenceville Catholic High School and later served as President of the Federation of Catholic Teachers Union. Frank went on to become a professor of Humanities at West Virginia Northern Community College, where he taught for more than 25 years. Countless former students, when asked, would say Frank was their favorite teacher remembered for his intellect, passion, and genuine care for others.

Frank was a member of Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church. He previously served on the Saint Joseph the Worker School Board and was a Past President of the Weirton Rotary Club.

In his free time, Frank enjoyed reading the newspaper and engaging in thoughtful discussions about current events, but most of all, he cherished time spent with his family.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his brother, Frank J. “Keener” DeCaria.

He will be remembered with love by his wife, Sheila Doherty DeCaria; his son, Lawrence (Jennifer) DeCaria; his daughters, Dr. Nicole (Rob) Chenet, Angela (Dan) Blankenship, and Adriane (Jason) Rybka; his grandchildren, Gianna, Marco, and Rocco Chenet, Dylan Lauren DeCaria, Dominic, Adalena, and Bruno Blankenship, and Clara Lena and Santino Rybka; his brothers, Joseph A. (Nancy) DeCaria and Anthony J. “Tony” (Alice) DeCaria; along with many DeCaria cousins, friends, colleagues, and former students.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 2:00-7:00 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 12:00 Noon at Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Weirton, WV.

Frank will be laid to rest at Saint Paul’s Cemetery in Weirton.

Frank’s family would like to thank the wonderful RN’s and staff of the CCU and Step Down Units of Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Drs John and Cherian, and Valley Hospice in Steubenville for their compassionate care and support.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Church or Catholic Grade School, or to the WVNCC Foundation.

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