Frank J. Balucha, 77, a resident of Kingston, entered into eternal life on Friday evening, January 22, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

His loving wife is Mary Ann (Musto) Balucha. Frank and Mary Ann were united in marriage on September 17, 1966 in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Pittston, and would have celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary this year.

Born on October 27, 1938, in Wilkes-Barre, Frank was the son of the late Stephen and Justine (Pribula) Balucha.

Raised in Wilkes-Barre, Frank was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Class of 1956.

Following high school, Frank enlisted in the United States Army, faithfully serving his country for over six years. Upon his honorable discharge on August 27, 1962, Frank had attained the rank of Sergeant. He was proud to have served his country, and he had great respect and esteem for all active military personnel and veterans.

Frank and his wife, Mary Ann, were the owners and operators of the former Balucha’s Bakery which was located on East North Street, Wilkes-Barre. On December 25, 1976, their lives changed forever due to a fire that claimed the lives of their three beautiful children and all they owned.

Prior to his retirement in 1996, Frank was employed for twenty years by the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Frank was a lifelong member of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, North Wilkes-Barre. Following the closing and subsequent consolidation of his church, he became a member of Saint Andre Bessette Roman Catholic Parish, North Wilkes-Barre.

If you knew Frank, you knew he had a great love for Polka’s and playing the accordion. It was his talent of playing the accordion that sealed his fate with his beloved wife, Mary Ann.

Frank also had a great affinity for cars, and he always enjoyed the smell of a brand new one! Throughout his life, he owned dozens of cars and he maintained a list of every one he owned, up to his most recent, which he purchased just two weeks ago.

An avid sports enthusiast, Frank was first and foremost a die-hard fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. He was also a great fan of Norte Dame and the New York Mets.

Above all, Frank’s greatest enjoyment in life was being with his family. He was a devoted husband to Mary Ann; a hero to his son, John; a loving and jovial father-in-law to Keriann; as well as being a loyal brother, brother-in-law, uncle, “adopted” uncle, and friend to many. Although his presence will be deeply missed, there is much comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his three beautiful children in Heaven.

In addition to his parents, Stephen and Justine Balucha, Frank was preceded in death by his three young children, Frankie, age 9; Justine, age 4; and Jimmy, age 2, who all entered into eternal life on December 25, 1976; his brother, Stephen Balucha; his sister, Marie Tomascik; his brother-in-law, Joseph Hawk Sr.; and his beloved dog and best-friend, Duke.

In addition to his wife, Mary Ann, Frank is survived by his son, John Balucha and his wife, Keriann, Kingston; his sister, Dorothy Haydu and her husband, Thomas, Colonia, New Jersey; his sister-in-law, Gina Hawk, Pittston Township; his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and his extended family, Diane, Donna, Denise, Debbie, and Billy.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at 9:15 AM, from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Saint Andre Bessette Parish, 672 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, with the Reverend Michael J. Kloton, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Cemetery, Dallas, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, January 26, 2016, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the Balucha Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.