Francis A. Kapes

Francis A. Kapes Our Lord called Francis "Frank" A. Kapes home on Monday, April 2, 2018 at Aria Jefferson Health Bucks Campus in his 90th year. He loved God, his family, and his country, and was always ready to be of help. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling, as well as planes, boats, and nature. His handcrafted birdhouses grace many a tree and fence in PA and AL. He had a keen sense of direction and a photographic memory, which were admired by all. Frank entertained friends and family with detailed stories of his modest upbringing and military service. He was a serious conservationist, believing there is at least a second use for everything. Born and raised in West Hazleton, PA, Mr. Kapes was a graduate of West Hazleton High School. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in September of 1946, and after basic training, helped move the radar repair school from hurricane-damaged Boca Raton Army Air Field in Florida to Biloxi, MS, where he graduated in the first radar repair class held at Keesler Air Force Base. From there, Corporal Kapes served with the 7th Signal Radio Maintenance Team, Far East Air Force, Japan. Following his honorable discharge from the US Air Force, Mr. Kapes studied at Penn State University and Wilkes College, earning his Bachelors Degree in Commerce and Finance. Mr. Kapes moved from upstate PA to work for US Steel, Fairless Works for nearly 40 years, retiring in 1993. A Croydon resident for the past 61 years, he was a faithful member of Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish. As his health declined for the past year, Frank resided with his daughter and son-in-law, Judy and John Malloy of Levittown. Frank was a life member of VFW Post 2290 in Manville, NJ. He was a member of the local Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 0603 for 30 years, teaching boating and navigation courses and providing safety inspections for boaters. Beloved husband of 53 years to the late Annamae Kapes, Frank is the father of two loving daughters: Janice Smith (Michael) of Huntsville, AL and Judy Malloy (John) of Levittown. He has three grandchildren: Bradley Smith, Tiffany Smith Licciardi, and Spencer Malloy, and three great-grandsons. Frank had five siblings, all preceding him in death: Thomas Kapes of VA, Paul Kapish of Fairless Hills, Joseph Kapes of Levittown, Mary Yannarell of Glenolden, and Dolores Cichowic of McAdoo. Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, 601 Bristol Pike, Croydon where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Interment will be held on Monday, April 9, 2018, 11:30 am in Calvary Cemetery, 49 South Hunter Highway, Drums, PA 18222. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.