Franklin L. ‘Buzz’ Silko – Rostraver Township
ROSTRAVER TOWNSHIP Franklin L. “Buzz” Silko, 91, 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 Penn-West 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) of Allison 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 of Philadelphia. Buzz was a storehouse of knowledge on many subjects and loved growing flowers and vegetables in his yard. He generously gave away garden vegetables to relatives and friends. He was always quick to share his knowledge and was always a teacher at heart. His wife and family were his world, and his strong faith in and devotion to God was a central focus in his life. He knew through his faith in Jesus Christ that his ultimate destiny was Heaven, and he always encouraged others by his words and his actions to follow His Word. His love of family, intellect, sense of humor and generous spirit will truly be missed. But the love he showed to all who had the good fortune to know him will live on forever. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2024, at DALFONSO- BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC. AND CREMATION SERVICES, 441 Reed Ave., Monessen. Services will be held Saturday, July 27, 2024, in the funeral home beginning with a blessing service at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at Epiphany of our Lord Church with Msgr. James T. Gaston officiating. Interment will follow in St. Hyacinth Cemetery. Condolences are being accepted for the family at www.dalfonso- billick.com. Donations in Frank’s memory can be made to either Epiphany of Our Lord Church, 44 Pennsylvania Blvd., Monessen, PA 15062, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org).
