Frank M. Lavin, Sr.

Frank M. Lavin, Sr., 75, of Whites Crossing and Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully Saturday December 15th, 2018 at the Carbondale Nursing Home with his family by his side. He was the husband of the former Mary Anne Kearney, with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage in June of this year.

Born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Dr. Frank C. Lavin and Madolyn  Mang Lavin. Frank was a devoted husband, father, uncle, educator, civic leader, and volunteer.  His passion for serving others is what he was most noted for. 

He was a graduate of the University of Scranton, where he received a BS degree in History, and he received a MS degree in Special Education from Marywood University. He was a teacher at Blue Ridge School District in New Milford, PA, until his retirement.  He was a member of Saint Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale.

Frank was a life member of the Columbia Hose Company Number 5, where he climbed the ranks holding various line officer positions, including Captain and Assistant Chief.  He was a former board member of the Carbondale Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association, and was an honorary member of the Andrew Mitchell Hose Company #1. He served as the Fire Chief of the City of Carbondale, under three mayors.

Special Olympics was an integral part of Frank’s life.  He organized Special Olympics Area P, which he headed for 37 years.  During his tenure, he built the world’s largest ski program, which grew from seven athletes to over 1,900 participants.  Frank also introduced 14 other year-round sports to the Area P program, including track & field, basketball, softball, swimming, bowling, and many others. The City of Carbondale declared a “Frank Lavin Day” in 1988.  In recognition of his service, he was inducted into the Special Olympics Hall fame in 1996.  In 2006, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Ski Hall of Fame.  Frank was granted a Legion of Honor award by the Chapel of the Four Chaplains for service to humanity. 

Frank served on the boards of the former Marian Community Hospital, and the American Red Cross, Carbondale-Forest City Chapter.  

Frank was an avid swimmer and water skier, and loved his summers at Crystal Lake.  For many years, he served as president and board member of the Crystal Lake League.  He was a member of the Elk View Country Club.

Frank and his friend Tom started the now-famous Dickinson Football tailgate post-game parties.

Frank was a member of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, Carbondale, the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, and a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 7622, Jermyn.

The Lavin family would like to thank Dr. Anees Fogley, and staff for decades of exemplary care. We are eternally grateful for the caregiving of oncology specialists, Dr. Martin Hyzinski and Dr. Jeffrey Brodsky.  We would like to thank the entire staff of the Carbondale Nursing Home, the Hospice of the Sacred Heart, and the Cottage Hose Ambulance Corps for their care and concern.

Along with his wife, he is also survived by his son Frank, Jr. and long-time companion Amber Lynn Hasulak, of Chestnut Hill, PA; son Brendan, of Crystal Lake; sister Alice Lavin Pettinato and husband Charles, of Vestal, NY, and Crystal Lake; Nephew Charles Pettinato, Jr., of Allendale NJ; Niece Lisa Collette and Husband Ken of Glastonbury, CT; and several grand nieces and grand nephews.  

The funeral will be Thursday December 20th from the Brennan & Brennan Funeral Home, Inc., 55 Lincoln Avenue, Carbondale, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in Saint Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale.  Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Saint Rose Cemetery, Carbondale.  Friends may call Tuesday, from 4 to 6 pm and Wednesday, from 7 to 9 pm.  All those attending the funeral Thursday are asked to go directly to the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Area P Special Olympics, c/o Frank Lavin, Sr., P.O. Box 188 Carbondale, PA 18407 or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, c/o Frank Lavin, Sr. 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

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