Francis A. ‘Frank’ Harkins of Coatesville

Francis A. “Frank” Harkins, 78, of Coatesville died Wednesday, October 25, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rebecca (Stetler) Harkins and cherished daughter, Anna Harkins.

He was born on January 29, 1939, to Dr. Francis A. Harkins and Mary Oscar, in Virginia. A tragic car accident several years later killed his mother and infant sister.

During World War II, he lived for a time with his aunt, Anna Harkins, and grandfather, Frank Harkins in Norristown. After his father married Sarah Langford in 1948, Francis was soon to become the eldest of seven siblings. He was admired and loved by his family for his intelligence, patience and kindness and, perhaps most of all, the loyalty and strong work ethic he demonstrated throughout his life.

Francis held a masters’ degree in chemical engineering from West Chester State University, and in the 1960s he worked at a think tank in California. Upon returning to Coatesville, he met and married his wife, Rebecca, and their daughter Anna was born in 1973. Francis was devoted first and foremost to his family, and he continued his career at Lukens Steel until the company began downsizing in the 1970s. He was subsequently employed in local service industries, and even after retirement he continued to work parttime, most recently as a bailiff at the Chester County Courthouse.

Francis was also preceded in death by his parents, his aunt, Anna; and by his brother Thomas and infant brother Paul. He is survived by his siblings Carole (Tom O’Connell), Robert (Mary Ellen Maher), Cyndie (Robert Kondelin), Jon (Jane Fallon) and Larry (Nancy Conti); cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Harris Mountain Funeral & Cremation Service, 1030 E. Lincoln Hwy., Coatesville where relatives and friends may call beginning at 10 a.m.

Interment will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Christiana.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www. harrismountain.com.