Frank J. "Boche" Bochenek

Struthers - Frank J. "Boche" Bochenek, 93, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on January 3, 2017.

Frank was born December 1, 1923 in Youngstown, a son of the late John and Kathleen Tetla Bochenek.

A 1941 graduate of Struthers High School, Frank enlisted in the United States Army in 1943. He proudly served during World War II where he was stationed with the 133rd Combat Engineer Battalion. Frank's platoon was the third wave to storm the beaches at Normandy, and he also fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was an original and lifetime member of the Struthers VFW post #3538.

After the War, Frank was employed at Youngstown Sheet and Tube and later worked as a milkman with Petersburg Creamery and Boche's Dairy in Nebo. In 1962 Frank founded Transit Service Inc., where he served as a bus driver and transported special needs students. Transit Service Inc., still operates in Struthers today. At the same time in the mid to late 60's, Frank served as a bailiff for Federal Judge Frank Battisti in Cleveland. In 1988 he retired as a salesman for Dubois Chemicals.

A sports enthusiast, Frank was very involved in area youth athletics as a coach, manager and transporting youth athletes. He also was an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians, Cavaliers and the Browns. Frank was very supportive of the Special Olympics, was a past President of the Struthers Gridiron Club, and a member of the Struthers Athletic Club.

Frank enjoyed horse racing and for close to 40 years attended the Kentucky Derby on an annual basis. He enjoyed going to casinos with his family, golfing, fishing, and spending time at Rips. He also loved to cook, can and jar peppers and pickles. He was always the one to entertain family and friends at any hour of the day and he will be greatly missed.

Frank leaves his wife, Pauline Johnicka Bochenek, whom he married on October 4, 1952; his sons, Tom Bochenek of North Canton and Ken Bochenek of Struthers; his sister, Fritz Vicarel of Struthers; and several nephews and a niece.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Alex Adamczyk; his brothers, Mike, Louis and Joseph Bochenek; and his sister, Stella Racine.

A prayer service will begin on Monday at 10:15am at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St. Poland, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 11am at Christ our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, with Fr. Martin Celuch as celebrant. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Friends and family may call Sunday from 4-7pm at the funeral home.

The family asks that any donations be made to the Struthers Gridiron Club, PO Box 30 Struthers, OH 44471.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences