Franklin L. ‘Buzz’ Silko – Rostraver Township

ROSTRAVER TOWNSHIP Franklin L. “Buzz” Silko passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024. He was born on Dec. 22, 1932, in New Eagle, Pa., son of the late Charles and Rose Furiga Silko. He graduated from Monongahela High School in 1950 and received a Bachelor of Science in Education from California State Teachers College (now PennWest University). He then served in the U.S. Army as a special agent in the Counter- Intelligence Corps. He began his career as a junior high math teacher in the Monessen School District, but left to pursue studies in industrial management at Carnegie-Mellon University and then an M.B.A. from Duquesne University. While pursuing his studies, he worked in the Monessen Coke Plant. The majority of his work life was spent as an industrial engineer and management consultant for various manufacturing companies in Western Pennsylvania. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Charles, Thomas and Norman; two sisters, Cecelia Trunzo and RoseMarie Johnston; and his grandson, Jonathan Silko. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Elise Capuano Silko; and five children, Dr. Gary Silko (Teresa) ofAllison Park, Lisa Silko Zubritsky (Charles) of Rostraver Township, David Silko (Maureen) of Carrollton, Texas, Alan Silko (Beth) of South Fayette and Mark Silko of Fort Worth, Texas. He was the beloved grandpa to 16 grandchildren: Gary Robert (Rachael) Silko, Susan (Drew) Headlee, Steven (Natalie) Spang, David (Moira) Spang, Lauren (Shawn) Bliss, Mary Beth Spang, Jonathan Silko (deceased), Emily (Colt) Redwine, Christopher (Kylie) Silko, Jessica Silko, Joey (Sarah) Silko, Adam (Victoria) Silko, Tommy Silko, Kayla (Chris) Nawrocki, Danielle Silko and Matthew Silko. He also was blessed to become great-grandpa to 11 great-grandchildren: Hunter, Elliott, Isabella, Shawn, Remi, Luka, Valia, Reagan, Jireh, Molly and Noah. In addition, he is survived by his sister Kathleen (Art) Miller