Francis L. Biggins, formerly of Forker Blvd., Sharon, passed away at 3:00 a.m. Friday, August 31, 2012, in John XXIII Home, Hermitage, where he was a resident for the past two years. He was 91.

Mr. Biggins was born February 1, 1921 in Sharpsville, a son of the late Patrick E. Biggins, M.D. and Frances Campbell Biggins.

He was a lifelong area resident and a 1939 graduate of Sharpsville High School. He then matriculated to St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA, where his studies were interrupted when he was called to serve as a naval aviator with the VF-7 squadron aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CV-19) during WW II. He piloted fighter aircraft in combat in the Pacific theater of operations.

After the war, he returned to St. Vincent and completed his bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Francis was an independent insurance agent for more than fifty years and owned the former Biggins Insurance Agency, Sharon. He was also associated with the J.H. Allen Agency.

Following retirement, he enjoyed the company of good friends and family, golf and winters in Florida. He was a member of Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon, where he was active in parish activities. Earlier in his life, he was active in the Mercer County Republican Party. Mr. Biggins served on the board of directors for the Community Child Care Center at the First Presbyterian Church, Sharon.

His wife of 64 years, the former Margaret A. Garvey, whom he married in 1945, passed away October 26, 2009.

Surviving are: a son, M. Brian Biggins and his wife Debra, Hermitage; two daughters, Mary Lee Gavin and her husband Chris, Sharon; and Meg Chandelle and her husband Sam, Davie, Florida. He was the proud grandfather of Molly Matchak and her husband Marc; Allison Brinkley and her husband Ben; Courtney Donatelli and her husband Ray; Rory Biggins; Michael Biggins and his wife Samantha; Timothy Gavin, Kelsey Gavin and Jeffrey Gavin; and eight great grandchildren, Timea Gavin, Hayden Matchak, Madelyn Biggins, Vincent Donatelli, Santino Gavin, Claire Matchak, Vito Donatelli and Annabelle Biggins.

Besides his parents and wife, Francis was preceded in death by three sisters, Patricia Petrini, Elizabeth Allen and Mary Elinor Biggins; four brothers, James, John, Edward and Joseph Biggins; and a grandson, Brendan P. Biggins.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to John XXIII Home, 2250 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage, PA 16148; Sharon Regional Hospice and Palliative Care, 2320 Highland Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148; or to the Prince of Peace Center, 502 Darr Ave., Farrell, PA 16121.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 4, 2012, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2012, in Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon, with the Rev. Henry Andrae, pastor, as celebrant.

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage, with military honor's rendered by the West Middlesex VFW, Wheatland American Legion and Farrell VFW Honor Guard.