Obituaries

Frank J. Subasic

Frank J. Subasic

1940-2023

As the sun set on the beautiful late afternoon of May 16 in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, Frank J. Subasic completed his remarkable journey at the age of 82.

Frank’s focus on family, faith, friendship, music, and community were cornerstones of his life. Even during his final days, as his body was preparing for his passing, he remained steadfast in his faith and his love for his family and friends. He was truly an inspiration to his family. As he would have wanted, his family was by his side as he made his peaceful journey to the kingdom of God. He was surely welcomed by Jesus and a big hug from his wife of 55 years, Patricia Subasic.

Frank’s journey began in the city of Aspinwall, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh, where he was born on November 26th, 1940. He was the son of the late Helen Walkowski and Michael Subasic. He was the youngest of five children, where he learned early in life, the importance of a strong, supportive family. A graduate of Aspinwall High School, he left with his diploma and medals earned as a marksman on the rifle team. After graduation, he followed his passion for engineering and manufacturing as he studied industrial engineering while beginning his working career.

It was during this time that he met the love of his life and future wife, Patricia (Carns) Subasic, who was studying nursing at the St. Francis School of Nursing in Pittsburgh. Their relationship blossomed and they were married in 1962 in Clearfield Pa. During their 55+ years together, Frank and Patricia started their family, welcoming five children, twelve grandchildren, and three great-grandsons. Their journey together included moves to Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana, and West Virginia. Their final move was to Berkeley Springs, W.Va., where they raised their family and became active parents in the community.

Frank’s career began in manufacturing where he held various positions as an industrial engineer and manufacturing leader. He joined Fleetwood Industries in 1972, where he excelled in leading manufacturing operations. As he grew with the company, he later led Fleetwood’s eastern region as the General Manager, which included Hancock, Maryland; Williamsport, Maryland and Winchester, Virginia. The eastern region enjoyed considerable success under his leadership with the company achieving a market leading position.

His career was launched with early success from his strong technical capability. Building on that early success, his career was propelled by his focus on people, process excellence and building strong teams. He cared deeply about his people, which enabled him to lead, motivate others, and build winning teams and cultures. Those were hallmarks of his 25+ years in the recreational vehicle industry.

His career success did not diminish his priorities of family, faith, and community. He led by example working hand-in-hand with Patricia to ensure the right work-life balance for his family. As their children grew, they envisioned and created a family getaway – Basically Heaven – in Duck, North Carolina. He so enjoyed his home away from! He and his wife shared decades of great experiences and made beautiful memories with their ever-expanding family as they often came together in Duck.

Beyond the legacy of his family and career, Frank also had an impact on the community. His leadership included roles as the Chairman of the Board for the War Memorial Hospital, President of the Morgan County Little League Association and a building committee member for the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Working with other community leaders, Frank’s legacy includes his significant contributions to the Morgan County ball field complex, the new War Memorial Hospital, and the expanded St. Vincent de Paul church. He was honored to receive the distinguished citizen of the Year award in 1984 by the Kiwanis Club.

Frank was passionate about music. He spent many years singing with the local barbershop quartet. In addition, he incorporated his passion for singing by serving as Choir Director of St. Vincent de Paul for many years. He provided an inspirational example for his family by practicing his faith as an active member of the church, not only through music, but also as a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, mother, father, and stepfather, Stan Walkowski, as well as his brother Michael Subasic, and sister Nancy Kneip.

He is survived by five children: Frank, Jr. and his wife Kim, Scott and his wife Alesha, Shawn and his wife Tina, Kelly and Stephen and his wife Kathy; one brother, Raymond and his wife Mae; one sister, Edith; and many loved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 67 Liberty Street, Berkeley Springs, W.Va., with Rev. Fr. John J. Lombardi as celebrant, followed by a celebration of life reception at noon at The Country Inn. Private burial will be in Bethel Cemetery.

The family will receive family and friends from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. on June 1, 2023 at Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, W.Va., where a Rosary Service will be recited at 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to War Memorial Hospital at www.valleyhealthlink.com. Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.

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