Frank Richard Marhefka
August 13, 1942 –
November 6, 2025
Frank R. “Butch” Marhefka, 83, of Uniontown, passed away peacefully in his home Thursday, November 6, 2025, with his steadfast family by his side. He was comfortable, coherent and compassionate until the very end.
The devoted husband of Alfreda Brownfield Marhefka for 58 years, Frank was born August 13, 1942, to the late Andrew Marhefka, Jr. and Margaret Mechinko.
He was preceded in death by two beloved children, Frank “Butch” Marhefka Jr. and Kristine L. Marhefka Speight.
He was the cherished father of Leslie (David) Dempsey of Chicago, Ill.; treasured grandfather to Trey (Ashlynn) Speight of Bethlehem, Ga. and Sophia, Eva and Juliet Dempsey of Chicago; and the precious great- grandfather to Lizzie Speight of Bethlehem. Also left to cherish Frank’s memory are in-laws, Bruce and Patti Sterling, John Brownfield; along with several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Frank was a graduate of St. John’s High School, and as a teen spent summers traveling around New England as an associate with Kinney Shoes. He received his Bachelor of Education at California State College, where he met his wife, Alfreda. They married in 1967 and Frank went on to achieve his Master of Education at the University of Pittsburgh.
Frank taught speech and the hearing impaired for 32 ½ years, retiring in 1995 from Intermediate Unit #1. He also served as a National Park Service law enforcement ranger for 27 years, at both Fort Necessity National Battlefield and Friendship Hill National Historic Site.
In 1984, Frank was awarded the Pennsylvania Travel Council’s Best Friend Ambassador Award for his spirit of service and for going above and beyond the call of duty. He retired from the National Park Service in 1998.
Frank had a friendly nature, a strong work ethic, a firm handshake and a hearty laugh, which echoed throughout the neighborhood.
As a devout member of SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, Frank was actively involved in various church ministries starting as early as age 5, when he joined the adult choir. He continued as an altar server, and as an adult was a dedicated lector and Eucharistic minister, also serving the shut-ins and homebound. He was a loyal volunteer for the church food bank in conjunction with St. Vincent DePaul.
In his free time, he enjoyed gardening and completing various home projects for his wife and feeding all the birds and deer that visited their backyard. Most of all, he enjoyed precious time spent with his grandchildren, his pride and joy – attending Trey’s ballgames and taking road trips with all of them, planning activities and projects that have built a lifetime of positive and joyful memories. PapPap was the most adored husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed.
The family wishes to extend its sincerest gratitude for the kind and compassionate care provided by Mt. Macrina Manor, Amedisys Hospice, and A Caring Mission. The genuine love and comfort that was provided made it feel like family.
The family has entrusted Frank’s arrangements to the Andrew D. Ferguson Funeral Home and Crematories., Inc. 80 Morgantown, Uniontown, PA 15401, where friends and family will be received on Sunday from 4 until 6 p.m. Viewing will continue on Monday, November 10, 2025 at the funeral home from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m followed by prayers of transference at 9:30 a.m. A mass of Christian burial will be held in SS. Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church, 50 N. Morgantown St., Fairchance at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Cemetery, Smithfield.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in Frank’s name, to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or at www.diabetes.org; or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org