Obituary of Francis Patrick Belardinelli

Francis Patrick Belardinelli, 84, of Wilkes-Barre passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Wilkes-Barre Township, a son of the late Armando and Dorothy Flynn Belardinelli. Fran was a graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School, class of 1958. He also graduated from technical college in Kansas City, Missouri, and later furthered his education to obtain his electrical license. Fran was an US Army veteran, serving from 1963 – 1965 stationed in Germany. Prior to his retirement, he was employed for more than 30 years with the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, retiring as the District’s Maintenance Supervisor. He was a member of St. Andrew Parish in Wilkes-Barre. He was also a member of the Hanover Township American Legion Post 609. He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan who also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Fran was a very well versed, but simple man. He had a vast knowledge of home as well as commercial construction, working in that field both professionally and personally throughout his life, but it did not stop there. His knowledge was great and he could carry a conversation on any topic, from sports to wine making, which he often did with his grandfather as a youth, and is most certainly where he acquired the taste for his Dago. Salute Franny! He never hesitated to offer his help or give someone his time to converse. His generosity was one of his best qualities. Above all though, and the simple aspect to Fran, but the most passionate, was his family. His love for them knew no boundaries and it reflects in all of them every day. He did and would do anything for them. It was by far his greatest accomplishment in life, as they were his life. He was a great man and the best Pop Pop who will be missed dearly. Addio al defunto. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Marie Belardinelli Casey and by his brother, James Belardinelli. Fran is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Dorothy Michaels, and by his children, Gene Belardinelli and his wife, Amy, Leesburg, FL; Martina Thomas and her husband, Kevin, Wilkes-Barre; Nicole Amos, Wilkes-Barre; and Melissa Molnar and her husband, Ron, Wilkes-Barre. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jared, Lacey and Leah; great grandchildren, Cole and Luke; brother, Gerard Belardinelli and his wife, Linda, Trucksville; and by his nieces and nephews as well as numerous cousins. A celebration of Fran’s life will begin with a visitation for family and friends from 1:30 – 3 pm on Saturday, followed by a funeral service at 3pm at the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Luzerne County Down Syndrome Network fund through the Luzerne Foundation (luzfdn.org) Condolences may be sent by visiting Fran’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.