Frank "Jocko" W. Breech
December 30, 1924 ~ July 11, 2016 (age 91) 91 Years OldShare using:
On July 11, 2016 we lost a unique individual Frank W. “Jocko” Breech left this world to join his family members and old friends in the next life. Frank died peacefully in the same home where he was born on December 30, 1924 the 3rd of seven children born to parents Ira W. Breech and Cora V. (Ash) Breech.
Frank attended Clayton School before going to work as a farm hand. He served his country during WWII as a private first class, rifleman and assistant squad leader in Company B, 117 Infantry Regiment, 30th Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement in an attempt to save his platoon leader and fellow rifleman both of whom had been wounded while advancing on an objective in Germany in 1944.
Upon returning from service Frank went to work for the former Magee Carpet Company and then the Catawissa Valve Company and later the Maxi Manufacturing from which he retired. A farmer at heart, Frank worked the family farm well into his 80’s, raising beef and pigs to fill the freezer and vegetables for canning and sharing with friends and strangers alike.
Frank married the former Florence Brisco on June 29, 1946 which started a union that lasted 35 years, they had four children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Frank was an active member of both the Catawissa American Legion Post 541 and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Harmon and Allen Post 8306 of Catawissa. He was the last of the original charter members of the Catawissa Boat Club which he helped to establish in 1961.
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Hurley, James and Henry Breech all of Catawissa. His daughter Valerie Anne Breech of Catawissa and granddaughter Karen Christine (Koch) Babich of Berwick.
He is survived by two daughters, Marie Elaine Gass and her companion Sam Petzke of Taylor Michigan, Cora Christine Meeker and husband Thomas of Bloomsburg and his son William Frederick Breech and wife Doris of Bloomsburg. Two sisters, Mary Levan of Danville and Lucy Horne of Catawissa and a brother Richard Breech and his wife Gloria of Catawissa. He is also survived by his companion of thirty years Judy Bucher of Catawissa, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his beloved dogs Pixie and Maggie.
A Celebration of Frank’s life will be held on Saturday, August 13th at 11:00 AM at the Catawissa American Legion. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to the Animal Resource Center, 301A Boone Road, Bloomsburg, PA.