Norbert W. Franklin, 93, of Hermitage, passed away Thursday afternoon, July 18, 2024, in St. John XXIII Home.

Mr. Franklin was born on September 26, 1930, in Glassport, PA, a son of the late Lewis and Anna (Belkowski) Franklin. He was a 1948 graduate of Glassport High School and through the US Army's ROTC program earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. While serving in the Army, he achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant as an electrical engineer, during the Korean War.

He married his wife of over 60 years, the former Luann Vath, on May 25, 1963, she passed away on November 13, 2023. In the early 1970's, they purchased her parents' business, Vath Audio Visuals. They successfully managed the company for several years, selling it in 1993.

Norbert was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, West Middlesex. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

As an alumnus of Pitt, he loved his school and closely followed its athletic teams. Norbert was a season ticket holder for basketball and had tickets for more than 50 years for the Panther's football games. He used his ability to have a conversation with anyone he met, as a recruiter for the school.

In addition to the Pitt Panthers, he had a passion for all Pittsburgh sports teams, especially the Pirates. He and his wife would go to Bradenton, FL, each spring so he could support the Pirates during Spring Training.
A lifelong learner, he was an avid reader and enjoyed music, dancing and going to plays in Pittsburgh.

Above all, Norbert had a deep love for his family, and looked forward to supporting his children and grandchildren in all of their activities.

He is survived by a daughter, Norann Bianco and her husband Gene, Hermitage; two sons, Mark Franklin and his wife Cristi, Chicago, IL, and Thomas Franklin, Dallas, TX; seven grandchildren, Matthew and Noah Bianco, Lauren and Zach Franklin, Brittany Stegall and her husband Alec, and Brian and Brindley Franklin; and one great-grandson, Weston Stegall.

In addition to his parents and wife, Norbert was preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur and Richard Franklin.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Community Food Warehouse, 109 S. Sharpsville Ave., Sharon, PA 16146.

"Hail to Pitt"

Calling hour will be noon until 1 p.m. Monday (07/22/2024) in the Church of the Good Shepherd, 3613 Sharon Rd., West Middlesex. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Mass of Christian burial will be at 1 p.m., Monday, in the church, with Rev. Glenn Whitman, pastor, as celebrant.

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.