Francis J. Towey Jr.

Francis J. Towey Jr., 77 of Ashland passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, October 6, 2023.  Born in Ashland on July 24, 1946 to the late Francis J. Towey Sr. and Mary Yagielniskie Towey.  He was of the Catholic Faith and was a member of Our Lady of Good Council in Gordon and Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Ashland.  Francis graduated from Ashland Area High School in 1964 then joined the Army and was active duty for 2 years during Vietnam era, and continued his service with National Guard for an additional 8 years.  Francis moved on to being a heavy equipment operator for construction companies all over the state of Pennsylvania. Throughout his life he enjoyed being outdoors especially hunting and fishing, spending time with family and friends but his most treasured memories were spent with his wife Mary who he married on February 24, 1979.  He adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren,

 In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother Joey Towey (1968), son Shawn P. Kelly (1995) and son Frankie J. Towey Jr. (2011).

Survived by his lovely wife Mary E. Towey, Daughter Susan Towey and her significant other Jim McGraw of Gordon, Son, Joseph  Kelly and his wife Kelly Ann of Coal Township,  Daughter Ruth Ann Shilling and husband Kevin of Ashland.  Grandchildren Dane Tarantelli (Madeline) of Gordon, Amanda Saltzman (Randy) of Pitman, Samantha Schreffler (Andrew) of Klingerstown, Amber Kelly of Coal Township, Ryan Kelly of Coal Township, Jasmine Moroskie (Tyler) of Elysburg.  Great-grandchildren Lyla Schreffler, Dylan Saltzman, Randy Saltzman, Ryker Saltzman, Delaney Saltzman and Harper Schreffler. Brother John Towey and wife Janet of Pitman, sister Mary Lou Johnston of Quakertown; several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 12th at 11:00 AM at Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Ashland.  A viewing for family and friends will be from 9:30-11:00 AM on Thursday, October 12th at the church. Interment will be private at the family’s convenience.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Francis (Frankie) J. Towey Jr. to the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, 216 S. Center St., Pottsville, PA 17901.

Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.  

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