Francis Mrocka

Francis Mrocka, 90, of Little Falls, NJ passed away at home on August 8, 2018 after a short illness. Born on September 17, 1927 in Windber, PA to Alfonsus and Sophie Mrocka, Frank (or Buddy to some) grew up in Pellets Island, Goshen, NY on an onion farm. Frank moved to Little Falls with his family in 1964. 
He graduated from Goshen High School in 1947 and worked in the Franklin Mines (NJ) and played semi-pro football for the Franklin Minors. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 and upon his discharge he attended RCA Institute in NYC. Upon graduation in 1954 he joined United Press International as a telephoto engineer. Frank retired after 38 years with UPI where he covered North, South, and Central America. As an engineer, he attended countless important sporting events including many World Series, World Soccer cups, and the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid. In addition, Frank covered two Papal visits along with the 1960 presidential election, meeting John F. Kennedy in Hyannis Port that evening.
Frank enjoyed a great game of golf and was known for his ability to fix anything, often called upon by family and friends for his expertise. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Althea (nee Ferguson). He was a devoted father to his three children, Kim (Spellman) and her husband Philip, Paul and his wife Joan and Robert and his wife Susan along with four grandchildren- Tyler and Corey Mrocka, Erin and Kevin Spellman. In addition he is survived by his sister Stella Jordan and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his four sisters, Mary Pierce, Catherine Gerczak, Anne Dul, and Caroline Carter.
He was a long-time parishioner of Our Lady of the Holy Angels Church in Little Falls and a member of the Passaic Valley Elks in Totowa.
Friends may call from 4-8 pm on Friday, August 10, 2018 at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Little Falls, NJ. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Church, 473 Main Street in Little Falls at 10 am on Saturday, August 11, 2018. Please meet directly at the church. 

---