Francis J. Anello, Jr.

Francis Joseph Anello Jr, 70, of Abington, PA, passed away in his home after a protracted illness on 24 February 2020. Our father, affectionately known as Big Frank when we were growing up, was born on 21 September 1949. Born to Francis and Cathrine Anello (Falbo), he was the eldest of three boys and two girls. The legend of his torment of his younger siblings may survive long past us all. Frank was a proud graduate of Penn State University. There, he earned both his undergraduate and graduate degree in Food Science, while also managing to keep his mother enlisted in doing his laundry. Not long after college, while managing a Denny’s, he met the love of his life. After a brief courtship, Frank and Molly went on to marry. Their marriage ultimately did not stand the test of more than 5 years’ time. Nevertheless, they remained lifelong companions. She was at his side at the very end, an act of love that we will forever be grateful for. The marriage also yielded Frank three amazing children he deeply loved. While he enjoyed some pretty wild years at Penn State, Frank turned out to be the consummate devoted father. Frank was a lifetime member of the NRA, loved his sci-fi books, his Camels, and his iced tea, but none so much as his children. He stood resolute next to us, even during our most tumultuous teenage years. He never wavered. He set the standard for fatherhood that we use as our yardstick today. He ensured we all graduated, despite some of our best attempts to the contrary. He was also known to remark during this time that he just hoped to live long enough to see all his kids graduate. With the two decades separating his youngest’s graduation and his unfortunate passing, he got to see and do so much more. In that time, he saw his oldest explore the world, become successful in his trade, and start a family. He saw his name son sake make a life, career, and family in the Marines. And, he saw his only daughter become a loving and devoted mother, worthy of his own. He got to enjoy watching and participating while his children make their own families. So, we must not take sadness in the time we lost but take solace in the time we had with Frank. He was a loving person, a son, brother, father, and grandfather. We will always carry your memory in our hearts. Services will be set for a future date to be determined.