Obituary of Francis A. La Tournous

Francis A. La Tournous, age 78 of Union Township, NJ, formerly of Kearny, NJ and White Mills, PA, died Saturday, June 2, 2012 at Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown, NJ. Born and raised in White Mills, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Charles and Eugenia (Rickert) La Tournous. As a young man, he worked with his family at La Tournous Cut Glass, the business his father started. After serving in the US Army, where he attained the rank of staff sergeant, he moved to New Jersey and began a 33-year career with United Airlines. In 1961, he married his beloved wife, Patricia and together they raised their three children. In later years, he also worked as a limo driver and a security guard at Union Gap Village. Devoted to his family, Fran rarely missed a ball game, concert or recital for his children and later, his grandchildren. He is remembered by all who knew him as an easy going, cheerful and gentle man, quick to help anyone in need. Fran found joy in spending time with his family and friends and was proud to see his three children find loving spouses and raise his eight beloved grandchildren. He adored his wife and cherished the 51 years of their marriage and truly enjoyed his life. He enjoyed nature and the outdoors, loved to tinker and plan projects, and beautifully restored antique heirloom furniture; pieces of which now grace his children's homes. In addition to all he did for his family, Fran was a parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church in Pittstown, and served his community as the Coordinator of Aging for Union Township, a member of the Hunterdon County Seniors and as an active volunteer for the Red Mill Museum. He was predeceased by his brothers, Walter and Carl La Tournous. Fran is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Patricia (Roberts) La Tournous; his loving sons and daughter, Charles and his wife, Judith of Union Township; Allen and his wife, Ana of Whitehouse Station, NJ; and Suzanne Donohue and her husband, Brian of Roseland, NJ. He is also survived by his dear brother and sister, Raymond and his wife, Joan of Harrisburg, PA, and Lydora Drake and her husband, Joseph of Hawley, PA and his eight adoring grandchildren, Nicole, Alex, James, Allen Jr. and Adam La Tournous and Stephen, Kylie and Drew Donohue. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 2 White Bridge Road, Pittstown, NJ on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 10:00 AM. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 PM at the Kearns Funeral Home Ltd., 103 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse, NJ 08888 Entombment will take place in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Annandale. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to the Red Mill Museum, 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809