COUNCIL #4245 - STAR OF THE SEA REMEMBERS
FRANCIS A BILLOTTE

 

Francis A. Billotte, 90, of Altoona, passed away Tuesday at Garvey Manor Nursing Home, Hollidaysburg. He was born in LeContes Mills, Pa., son of the late William F. and Mary H. (Jannot) Billotte. He married Helen Louise Zeth on July 17, 1945. She preceded him in death on November 21, 2012.

Surviving are his three children: Duane (Mary Elizabeth) Billotte of Johnstown, Janinne (Kevin) Lechene of North Augusta, S.C., and Judy (Rich) Steckroth of Hollidaysburg; and seven grandchildren: Jennifer (Ethan) Kabler, Mike Billotte, Nicole (Scott) Younker, Joel Lechene, Meredith (Nick) Gedraitis, Monica (Nate) Simmons and Travis (Eryn) Steckroth. He is also survived by a brother, Cletus.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: William and Regis; and two sisters: Adele Dively and Josephine Brolley.

Francis was a 1943 graduate of Hollidaysburg Senior High School. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During WWII he served in the European theater of operations. As a Technician Fourth Grade/Sergeant he was a member of the 262nd Signal Construction Company.

He was awarded Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Silver Star Medal, American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal Honorable Service, and Expert Badge and Carbine Bar. He received recognition from the Consulat General de France for war service in the liberation of France.

Upon return from the war in 1945, Francis joined the work forces at Penn Edison Electric Company, now Penelec, as a Lineman. After 41 years of service, he retired as Director of Safety and Work Methods.

Francis was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church since 1946. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, Boy Scout Master/Troop #50 Sacred Heart School, served on the Parish Council, was a member of the Board of Directors of the ARC Federal Credit Union, worked in the Food Pantry, was an advisor for Junior Achievement/sponsored company Watt JAC, and was a life member of Standing Stone Veterans Home Association/VFW. He was a Fourth Degree Knight/Bishop Garvey Assembly and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #551.

Francis enjoyed bowling, fishing, gardening, and was skilled in electrical work and woodworking. He was a sports fan of Bishop Guilfoyle and Penn State football.

Friends will be received from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, November 27, 2015, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona, where a vigil for the deceased will be held Friday evening. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, November 28, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, officiated by Father Lubomir J. Strecok. Committal rites with military honors accorded by the Blair County Veterans Honor Guard will be held at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, Altoona.

The family requests that memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 511 20th Street, Altoona, PA 16602, in memory of Francis.