Frank “Pinky” Nalepa, 87

NEW MIDDLETOWN – Frank “Pinky” Nalepa, 87, had the angels lead him to heaven on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, at 2:30 p.m. so that he could finally rest in peace with his beloved wife, Mary. He passed away from heart failure while resting peacefully at the Hospice House in Boardman. We would like to thank everyone there for all the care they gave to the family.
Pinky was born Aug. 18, 1923, in Campbell, a son of the late Anthony and Rose (Kohenczyk) Nalepa.

He was a graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, where he got the nickname Pinky. In his year book under his picture it stated, “Girls would walk a mile, just to see Pinky smile!”
Pinky was a member of Holy Trinity Church, where he served as an usher. The church was an important part of his life and he enjoyed going to 4:30 p.m. Mass.
Pinky was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, having served in World War II on the Coast Guard Cutter Sorrell in the Atlantic. He was a 3rd Class Petty Officer and also served in the Pacific. He was a proud veteran and enjoyed wearing the shirts his son, Hitch, made for him.

His wife, the former Mary Johnicka, whom he married May 21, 1949, passed away Jan. 29, 2007.

He missed her and would recall many memories about her; they were a very close couple. They were good parents, good providers and wonderful examples of how people in this world should be. They both will be missed.

Pinky was a postal carrier for the Struthers Post Office for 28 years. Everyone knew “Pinky the Mailman” and loved him. He always wore a smile when carrying mail, had an extra stamp or two in his pocket and a doggie bone in the other. He was a member of NALC and a lifelong member of the DAV.

Pinky was a good-hearted man and cared about many people. If he could not recall your name, he knew your house number. He loved polkas and polka dancing. He loved swimming at Club South and going up to Arby’s. The Arby’s Gang was a special group of friends to him and cared about him right to the end. He loved going to Mountaineer and enjoyed his last few trips with his son, Ron. Pinky lived with his daughter, Lee Ann, for the last seven months and saw a whole new way of living.

He enjoyed visits from his son, Bill, from whom he learned many facts about birds and loved watching for them. He got a kick out of playing with Ricky the duck. He loved all the wonderful neighbors who became family to him. He also developed a love for slushies and sitting on the porch. You always knew where to find Pinky when the sun was shining.

He leaves his children, Robert (Karen), William, Ronald (Cindy) and Lee Ann (Joe), with whom he made his home; 10 grandchildren, Stacie, Keith, Kevin, Sacha, Collenna, Misha, Lindsay, Carly, Matt and Bryan (who took such good care of him each day); two great-grandchildren, Kelsy and Kaden; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Pinky was the last to survive his brothers, Joe, Rudy and John and a sister, Nell.

Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. 15, at the Kirila Funeral Home, and at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Family and friends were welcomed Thursday, Oct. 14, at the funeral home. Interment was at St. John Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Visit kirilafh.com to view this obituary or send condolences.