Francis J. Shovlin, 85, 170 Ridgewood Road, Plains, PA, died peacefully on December 10, 2023 at 10:50 pm at Allied Hospice Care.

Born July 9, 1938, in Plains (Midvale), PA to Francis J. and Mary Evans Shovlin, and joined the household with his sister, Margaret. Francis, also known as "Sonny," attended and graduated from Sacred Heart School in Plains in 1955. During that time he met the love of his life, Faye Shovlin (Roulston), and they were married on October 31, 1956, and recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

He worked most of his life at two jobs, first working at Craft Associates in Wilkes-Barre as an upholsterer, moving up the ranks to become a manager. He chose not to make the move with the company to North Carolina and then soon after, became a member of the local Laborers Union, where he worked to help complete what is presently known as Susquehanna Steam Electric Station. After the completion of the power plant, he was employed with various employers but primarily, was sought to work for J&H Concrete construction company. Throughout all his employment, Frank, as he was known, was identified to be one of the hardest workers on any job he worked.

Francis and Faye built a beautiful life with their 3 children in Plains before moving to the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre. Along the way, their family grew to include 8 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and a great great grandchild. So for much of his life he was simply known as "Pop Pop" by many. He was cherished by many but so much by all his family as he often affectionately joked with, kidded, and teased all the kids as they grew up, often creating nicknames for each. He was always in his element when among his family and it showed with his happiness and his wonderful smile.

He enjoyed fishing all his life with his buddies, daughter Mary Beth during early days, with Grandson Neil, and then later in life with his nephew, Timmy, when spending 20 years living in St. Petersburg, Florida while there in the winter enjoyed bike rides and daily swims. Over the same 20 year period, he enjoyed his summers camping, boating, and swimming at Camp Onawandah, in Tunkhannock, PA.

He loved going on cruises with Faye and family, participating in family events, and parties while having great fun. Much enjoyment came while celebrating the many events honoring the many achievements of his family members, especially his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchild. A lot of his enjoyment came when he spent time with all the family pets while visiting. One of them, Little Bean ("Beamer" to Pop Pop) will sorely miss him. They became best buddies over the last few years.  To sum it all up: Francis/ Sonny/ Frank/ Pop Pop could be seen many times dancing with his love, Faye, at the many family events that they made happen!

Francis is survived by his wife, Faye Shovlin (Roulston), in Plains; daughter, Muriel (Shovlin) and her spouse, Leonard Lispi, in Plains; daughter, Mary Beth Saxe (Shovlin), in Berwick, PA; son, Francis Shovlin and partner Dolly Wainwright, in Plains, PA; grandson, Neil Lispi and spouse Shannon, in Exeter, PA; grandson, Francis Shovlin and spouse Kathleen, in San Diego, CA; grandson, Marc Shovlin and spouse Johnna, in Dallas, PA; grandson, Sam Shovlin, in Louisville, KY; granddaughter, Hannah Shovlin, in Eek, Alaska; and grandson, Caleb Shovlin, in Gahanna, OH. Also great grandchildren: Sarah Jones, Alycia Lispi, Lena Lispi, and Oliver Shovlin, and great great grandson, Jesse James King. Then there are his furry buddies, who will miss him too: grand puppies Stella, Little Bean, Ruxpin, and Ruby, and a grand kitty, Bert.

He is preceded in death by sister, Margaret Mirowski (Shovlin), 6/30/2023; grandson, Jeremy Lispi, 10/25/2023; granddaughter, Kristen Stevens, 10/11/2007; son in law, Allen Saxe, 11/12/2023; and son in law, Gary Stevens 4/3/2004; as well as grand puppies Jazzy, Dodger, and great grand puppy, Beamer.

A Funeral Service will be held at Yeosock Funeral Home, 40 S Main St, Plains 18705 on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Following the service there will be a procession of cars for interment at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. Serving as pallbearers will be Neil Lispi, Marc Shovlin, Francis Shovlin, Sam Shovlin, Caleb Shovlin, and honorary pallbearer, JP Kearney.

Special thanks to the wonderful people and staff at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, Riverview Nursing Home, and Allied Hospice Care for their wonderful care of Frank in his last few weeks, making it as comfortable as possible for him during his last days.