Frank M. Pompanella

POMPANELLA---Frank, of Geistown, entered eternal life on February 26, 2025. Born May 15, 1942, in Johnstown, son of Ode and Mary (Gaeta) Pompanella. Preceded in death by parents and wife, Anne (Crowley). Survived by daughter Karen (with longtime companion, Howard Schrader), White Plains, MD; granddaughter Kayleigh, married to Sam Di Leo, Frederick, MD; sisters, Patricia Burns and Marianne Newcomer, wife of Bill Newcomer and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Frank attended Johnstown Central Catholic High School and was graduated from St. Vincent College in 1963 with a major in Latin and a minor in History and Social Studies. He taught high school for 37 years beginning at John Adams High School in Cleveland, Ohio (1963-1966) and then at Westmont Hilltop High School (1966-2000) where he taught Latin and History for a few years, but for most of his career, he taught Psychology and AP History. Nevertheless, he never lost his love for Latin. At Westmont, he was Key Club Advisor for 25 years. He also served as the equipment manager for 6 years and the girls softball coach for 5 seasons. Frank was a man of many interests and abilities, always involved with something: an avid reader, he especially liked mysteries. He was an excellent woodworker who also enjoyed gardening and crossword puzzles. A double lung transplant in 2010 provided Frank with many additional years to foster his interests. He was a longtime, active member of St. Benedict Parish, Geistown. Over the years, he volunteered as a CCD teacher, usher, adult altar server, and lector. In addition, he made over 16,000 rosaries. When asked if he had any guiding principles, Frank replied with the words of Stephen Grellet: “I shall pass this way but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any fellow human being let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Benedict Church in memory of Frank Pompanella. The family will receive friends from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where vigil will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2025 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Fr. David S. Peles, celebrant. Entombment, Richland Cemetery Mausoleum. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com. His students often heard him say, “In patientia vestra possedebitis animas vestras.” He never said what it meant which is, “In your patience, you will possess your souls.” [Luke 21:19]

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