February Family Celebrations

     The Stoviak family celebrates two special months.  May sees the birthday of my sister, Jane and of myself ... and my ordination to the priesthood which took place on Janie's 23rd birthday.  The other significant month is February.

     On the 9th of February in 1920 my Dad, Bill Stoviak, was born of Bessie and John Stoviak (Stachowiak) in the small coal mining community (patch) called Continental # 3, about five miles outside of Uniontown.  He grew up there, attended Georges High School, got his first job, courted Mom, did his duty during World War II in the Army on the European Front, and upon return, married Mom and attended the police academy before joining the Uniontown Police Department.  He served there for many years as patrolman, sargent, and in retirement as a dispatcher.  This capsule of his life does no justice to the legacy and effect that this good man and great husband and father brought to all whom he met.  He went home to heaven on May 10, 2002 - 18 years ago.  This past Sunday, February 9th, would have been Dad's 100th birthday.

     On February 11 in 1919 my Mom, Frances Louise Lenard was born in Uniontown of Mary and Frank Lenard.  She never went far from home, for she grew up four houses down the street from our family home.  She attended Uniontown High School where the yearbook says she was homeroom president, student senate, Beta Pennsylvania Club, Nature Club, Advertisement Club, chorus, usher and the Dancing Club.  We just found this tidbit of info recently.  I never knew that Mom was a dancer.  She worked for a few years in retail before marrying Dad and beginning our family. Mom was loving, supportive and loyal to her family and friends.  She went home to join Dad in heaven three short years after his death, on March 3rd, 2005 - 15 years ago this year.  Today would have been Mom's 101st birthday.

     Our other family celebration was February 17th.  On that date in 1946 Frances Lenard and William Stoviak were married at Saint Mary Nativity Church in Uniontown.  74 years ago this coming Monday marks the beginning of their journey together and our family.  As their children, Janie and I were and truly are blessed.

    As you can see - February is a special month for us - and this year those celebrations have taken on significant importance in the number of years ... 100, 101 and 74.  Happy Birthday, Mom & Dad ... and Happy Anniversary!