Franklin H. Mohney of Camp Hill, PA, passed away at 2:15 pm on March 1, 2014. He was 93 years old. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his beloved family and friends.
Born in DuBois, PA, the second of five children of the late John Hill and Mary Magdalene Heller Mohney of Brookville, PA, he was educated in the Brookville Public Schools. He attended Clarion State Teachers College where he was quarterback of the college football team.
Immediately upon graduation from Clarion he enlisted in the United States Army to serve in WWII. Assigned to the Air Corps, after serving brief periods at Biloxi, MS, Sioux Falls, SD and Boca Raton, FL, he graduated from the Anti-Aircraft officers' candidate school at Camp Davis, NC. He was commissioned a 2d Lieutenant in September, 1943. He was assigned to General George Patton's Third Army, specifically, the 465 AAA (AW) Battalion (SP). The battalion earned four Battle Stars in the European Theater of operations in the Third Army's drive across Europe, from Utah Beach to the Rhine. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor.
Soon after Nazi Germany's surrender to the Allied Forces, Frank was severely injured when a truck driven by a German soldier purposely hit him, nearly severing his arm. This injury resulted in a long and painful recovery and rehabilitation of over a year, including six months in a body cast and many skin grafts. He was honorably discharged from the service as a Captain in the Third Army late in 1946.
Thereafter, he enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania. While doing graduate work there, he accepted a position as Education program Director with the US Air Force at Ashiya Air Force Base in Ashiya, Japan.
After returning from Japan he completed his Masters Degree at the University of Pittsburgh. Upon receiving his graduate degree, he accepted a position of Executive Secretary of the Mineral Producers Association, a predecessor Association of the Pennsylvania Coal Mining Association. He served as CEO and President of the Pennsylvania Coal Association for 30 years. During his career at the Coal Mining Assoc., he worked with industry and government on sweeping environmental protection laws concerning coal mining in the Commonwealth. It was during this service when he met his wife Mazie, who he married in 1971 at the age of 50. After retiring from the Coal Association, he served as Deputy Secretary of Commerce in the Richard Thornburgh administration.
He was a life member of the American Legion in Brookville, PA, a life member of the Elks in Kittanning, PA, a long time member of the West Shore Country Club, and was long active with Lions International.
He was not only a war hero but also a hero in life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and unclel. He lived life purposefully, always keeping his word and serving as a respected example to his family and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 36 years, Mazie B. Mohney in October, 2007. He also was preceded in death by his brother John Mohney in 1999.
He is survived by his son, Charles E. Gutshall Esq., his three grandchildren, Caroline Gutshall and Matthew Gutshall of Philadelphia, PA, and Emory Gutshall of Camp Hill, two brothers, William Mohney of Taylorville, NC and Robert Mohney of Aurora, OH, and a sister, Martha Halverson of Somerset, PA. He is also survived by nephews Matthew Beddow, David Mohney, Stephen Mohney, Kirk Mohney and Mark Mohney, and nieces Marsha Martin, Melanie Strand, Susan Mohney and Bobbie Jo Beddow.
A viewing will be held Friday, March 7, from 4-7pm at the Myers - Harner Funeral Home, 1903 Market St., Camp Hill, PA. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 8, at 12 pm at The Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 N. 23rd St., Camp Hill, PA, with Reverend Steve Espamer officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 11am until the time of services.
Burial will be held after the services at the Rolling Green Memorial Park, Camp Hill.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society or to the charity or church of your choice.