Frank H. Birner, Jr.

Frank H. Birner, Jr. 77 of Center Township passed away, Saturday morning, January 20, 2018 at Villa St. Joseph of Baden.Born on July 26, 1940, he was the son of the late Frank H. and Jennie D (Muscovich) Birner, Sr.Frank grew up in Monaca, PA.  After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and spent nearly 5 years seeing many parts of the world. Frank loved to tell stories of places he’d flown while hitching an “unofficial” ride in a plane’s jump seat. After having worked in a friend’s family bakery during his teen years, the USAF is where Frank continued to hone his craft as a Baker.After the Air Force, Frank returned to Beaver County, began working as a steelworker in Aliquippa at J&L Steel, and married his love, Loretta in 1965. They spent many years building a home, enjoying their growing neighborhood, spending time with extended family, and focusing on one another. In 1978, their only son was born.When the mill shut down in the early 80’s, Frank reconnected with his baking craft and began a new career at the Rochester Giant Eagle’s bakery department, where he showed many co-workers the tricks he had learned from “old-timers” back in the service.Frank was a resolute man with a soft heart. His passions included fishing, hunting, woodworking, gardening, and “putzing” to fix things that had broken around the house – all activities that he shared with his son. He was also his son’s #1 baseball catch partner, setting up a mound and home plate in his back yard. He became a mentor to his son David in more ways than Frank ever knew at the time.In his later years, Frank took great pride in his granddaughter Melody, who could light up his face like no other. They loved to share bear hugs and silly faces.Frank was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus # 5625.Frank is survived by his wife of 52 years, Loretta J. (Lovas) Birner, a son Dave (Mellory) Birner, a granddaughter, Melody Birner, a brother, Robert Birner, a sister, Lois J. Evans and numerouse nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Gabriel, and an uncle Frank Muscovich.Friends will be received on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca where a blessing service will be held on Friday at noon with Reverend Father Martin R. Bartel, OSB officiating. Interment will follow with military honors at the National Cemetery of Alleghenies.In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired in Mr. Birner’s memory to either the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Center Twp. PA 15001 or the children’s department of the donor’s local library.The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Joseph Villa for the compassionate care Frank received.To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.