Francis L. Schanck

Francis Louis Schanck, age 95, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, at Brookdale Senior Living in the South Hills, surrounded by love, sharing quiet meaningful moments with each of his children and many he loved—an enduring testament to the family he so gently united and all those he loved.

Francis was born on October 13, 1930, in Pittsburgh’s South Side, the son of the late Jacob and Alice Schanck. A man of deep integrity and quiet conviction, Francis lived his life guided by kindness, service, and a profound respect for human dignity.  He answered his country’s call by serving in the US Air Force during the Korean War from February 1952 until his honorable discharge in February 1955. He later continued service through the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, retiring after 20 years of service at rank of Technical Sergeant. While proud of his service, Francis was, above all, a man of peace—thoughtful, gentle, and guided by compassion rather than conflict.

In 1958, Francis married Frances Valenta Levy, embracing not only a devoted marriage but also the role of loving father to her young sons, Jack (Levy) Schanck and Keith (Levy) Schanck. Together, Francis and Frances built a family rooted in love  and unity, later welcoming two daughters, Denise and Joni. Their 66-year marriage was a testament to partnership, loyalty, and shared values. Frances preceded him in death in December 2023.

Francis is survived by his children, Jack (Judi), Keith (Connie), Denise (Bob), and Joni (Phyllis); his brother Jack Schanck; and his sister Alice Waina (Robert). He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brothers Bill and Rich Schanck, and his sisters Agnes Wilson and Annie Lippert. A devoted and joyful grandfather, Francis cherished his nine grandchildren—Jolie, Christopher, Joey, Jennifer, John, Kristin, Patrick, Timothy, and Christy—and was a proud great-grandfather to eleven great-grandchildren. He is also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews throughout Pittsburgh and across the country.

A lifelong Catholic, Francis lived his faith through service, humility, and generosity. He volunteered at the hospital, gave freely of his time, and was especially mindful of those with less. For many years, he was a member of the Resurrection Church Folk Group, and he and Frances—affectionately known as “The Frans”—shared countless joyful moments with family and friends at St. Henry’s Lyceum on Arlington Avenue in Pittsburgh’s South Side. Francis will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, a gentle grandfather, a loyal friend, and a man who brought people together. His quiet strength, compassion, and unwavering kindness leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew him.

Family and friends will be received at the Frank F. DeBor Funeral Home, 1065, Brookline Boulevard, 412-561-0380, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 only, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Resurrection, Saint Teresa of Kolkata Parish.  In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Francis’s memory to consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, or to a charitable organization that supports care, dignity, and service to others—values that guided his life.

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