JOSEPH J. “Big Joe” FRANK, Sr

Joseph J. “Big Joe” Frank, Sr., 83, of Philipsburg, died Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at his residence.

Joe was born on September 14, 1938, in Philipsburg, a son of the late Giuseppi and Mildred (Vaux) Gualtieri.

He was a US Navy veteran; and served one enlistment from 1956 to 1959.

Joe was married on June 21, 1962, in Philipsburg, to the former Grace A. Johnson, who preceded him in death on April 7, 2017.

Early in his working career, Joe was employed as a heavy equipment operator with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

He decided to go into business for himself; and was the owner / operator of the former Joseph Frank Trucking.

He also ventured into the restaurant business on two separate occasions during his working career. He operated the former Old Town restaurant on Pine Street in Philipsburg and then later operated it under the name “Uncle Joe’s Restaurant.”

Joe was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Philipsburg.

He was preceded in death by four sisters: Angeline Seiler, Josephine Binehauer, Virginia Smith and Helen Fisher; and seven brothers: Roy, Lawrence, Thomas, Ronald, Guy, John and Robert Frank, in addition to his parents and wife, Grace.

Joe is survived by two sons: Daniel J. Frank and his wife, Marie, of Philipsburg and Joseph J. Frank, Jr. and his wife, Lorrie; five grandchildren: Justin and Natasha Frank, Blake, Kierstin and Jackson Pastorello; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Darlene Socash and her husband, Paul, of Hawk Run; and numerous other extended family members.

A funeral service will be held at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg, on Sunday, June 12, 2022, at 1 pm, with Rev. Michael Pleva, officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from Noon until the time of the service.

Interment will be in SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, RD Philipsburg.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.beezerheathfh.com.