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Frank J. Makarevich
November 5, 1953 to April 13, 2022
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Frank J. Makarevich, 68 of Neshannock Township, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of April 13, 2022. Frank was born on November 5, 1953 in New Castle, PA, the son of the late Frank T. and Mafalda (Muffy) DiMuccio Makarevich.
A proud 1972 graduate of New Castle High School, Frank played as a starting tackle under Coach Lindy Lauro. He anchored the line for the 1970 Hall of Fame Hurricane football team and earned first-team All-MAC and Pennsylvania Big 33 all-star honors his senior year. With untouchable athletic ability, Frank was recruited by dozens of Division I colleges, ultimately deciding to bring his talents to the University of Miami. After a successful college career as a three year starting lineman and Sunkist All American, Frank’s journey shifted from player to coach, returning to his alma mater and beginning his coaching path alongside Lauro. In 1982, Makarevich branched away from his hometown to Mercer High School, where he would spend the majority of his career as a football coach and teacher of physical education and health. He spent 13 total seasons with the Mustangs, serving two terms as head coach with three teams having advanced to the District 10-AA playoffs, including two consecutive appearances in the D-10 AA championship. His journey came full circle when Makarevich returned to New Castle as offensive coordinator in 1998 and 1999, coaching the ’98 Hurricane team to a WPIAL championship and state championship appearance. He was a fixture in both the Mercer and New Castle communities, impacting countless lives. In 2002, Frank was enshrined in the Lawrence County Historical Society Sports Hall of Fame and retired from New Castle High School in 2014 after 36 years of teaching.
Frank was the quintessential outdoorsman. Learning at a young age from his dad and uncles, he developed a passion for hunting, fishing, and gardening. From hiking through the majestic morning woods during Spring turkey season to the babbling river amongst the changing fall foliage while casting his fly rod, he appreciated and connected to the beauty and serenity of nature. Together, Frank and Linda built a beautiful home, often admired for its bountiful flowers and vegetable garden.
He was known for his multitude of achievements but was most proud of what he deemed his greatest achievement, his family. Everyone who knew him, knew his girls were everything. He and Linda celebrated 40 years of friendship, love, and so much laughter. They raised, as he would often say, two beautiful daughters and was overjoyed to tell people of their accomplishments. Frank added one more important title to his ranks, Paw Paw. He was blessed with grandson, Austin, who he loved immensely. Frank and his family shared a special bond and hold so many cherished memories.
To so many, he is simply known as Coach and he wore that title as a badge of honor. His burly exterior was matched by his loving heart and kind spirit. He embraced his Catholic faith and was a member of Holy Spirit Parish. He was a man who always did the right thing. Frank’s voice was iconic. He was a storyteller and conversationalist, always seeming to find a way with words to share wisdom or perfectly phrased quotes to capture an emotion. He was a teacher beyond the classroom, constantly looking to share his vast knowledge with those so lucky to receive it. On his journey, he found and fostered kindred spirits from every end of the spectrum, allowing his life to be overflowed with so many friends and family, and most importantly love. His influence, mentorship, and legacy will be forever lasting to all of those who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path.
Frank leaves his beloved family; his beautiful wife of 40 years, the former Linda Mascio; daughters Ashley (Colby) Beeson, Caitlin Makarevich (Adam Stroia); sister Cheryl (Bob) Sciarro; grandson, Austin John Beeson; nephew, Nicholas (Danielle, Santino, Nicco) Sciarro; and many other nephews, nieces, and relatives.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 from 4: 00 pm to 7:00 pm at Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home, 941 S. Mill Street, New Castle PA 16101. A procession will leave the funeral home on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, St. Vitus church. Father Joseph McCaffrey, Pastor will officiate.
Eternal rest grant unto Frank, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
