Retirement is icing on the cake for longtime Keystone Bakery employee

By Eric Seiverling
eseiverling@yourmvi.com

In 1964, the Beatles made their historic appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and Elvis Presley released his blockbuster film, “Viva Las Vegas.”
But Belle Vernon resident Deanna “De” Monack will remember 1964 for a different reason.
That was the year she started working at Monessen’s Keystone Bakery.
After 57 years of working at the iconic bakery, Monack retired last month and is now looking forward to sleeping in late and spending more time with her husband, Belle Vernon Councilman Frank Monack, their 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and their dog Shelle and two cats Sugar and Mama.
In addition to Deanna’s retirement, the Monacks are getting ready to celebrate 65 years of marriage Aug. 21.
Deanna, a Monessen native, started working at the bakery when it was located on Schoonmaker Avenue. The bakery has been located in Eastgate Plaza for many years.
“When I started, I thought I would work only one year,” she recalled. “I started out as a clerk and then I became shop manager and then I was the cake decorator.
“I really did like it. I worked with really good people over the years. A lot of the people I worked with, we remained friends.”
Deanna’s last day on the job was July 16, and the bakery threw a surprise retirement party for her on Sunday, where she was given a special plaque to commemorate her decades of service.
“She’s from a different era with a work ethic of dedication and loyalty,” said Keystone Bakery owner J.J. Georgagis. “It’s very hard to find someone like that.
“Up to the day she retired we used her knowledge and know-how. De ran this place like it was her own company. It’s been an adjustment without her and it will be very difficult to fill her shoes.”
Deanna said she gets her work ethic from her father, who was a crane operator for Pittsburgh Steel.
“My dad never missed a day of work,” she said.
Deanna admitted to being undecided when to set a retirement date.
“I kept resetting the dates,” she said. “It’s a lot of mixed emotions because you’re giving up something. I don’t like a big to-do.”
With shifts that sometimes started at 4 a.m. and other times at 10 p.m., Deanna needed help at home with cooking, cleaning and raising five children, and Frank was more than willing to help.
“Frank cooked dinner for a long time,” Deanna said.
The two met in 1954 when Deanna was 12 and Frank was 13. In 1956, the teens married.
“Her sister got married before us so maybe we were jealous,” Frank said of getting married at such a young age.
“It just kind of happened,” Deanna said. “I’ve never been disappointed.”
Frank quit school in 11th grade, became an auto mechanic and opened his own garage, Frank’s Auto Repair. He retired after 15 years and now still works as owner of a few local properties.
“I still work everyday,” he said. “It keeps my brain functioning.”
By the time Deanna was 20, the Monacks were raising five children.
“We had a good family,” Deanna said. “They’re beautiful, all of them.”
Frank said commitment and dedication is the key to a successful marriage.
“You have to make up your mind to get along,” he said. “Don’t let the little things bother you. We always had something to do. We tried to raise our kids the proper way. We had a lot of good years together and we still love each other. There are no complaints.”
Deanna said despite her newly found free time, she still plans to keep busy.
“I have so many things to do,” she said. “I want to get my house cleaned. I want to take a trip to Atlantic City. I’m just going to enjoy life.”