Francesco Salvatore Treglia

Francesco "Frank" Salvatore Treglia, 88 of Lima, Ohio died on Friday, August 12, 2011, at his residence.

Born Saturday, March 3, 1923 in Minturno, Italy, , he was the son of the late Filippo B. Treglia and the late Maria N. Salterelli Treglia. He was the husband of the late Betty Jane Allen Treglia.

He was a Veteran of World War II.

Frank entered the United States as a naturalized citizen by sailing from Rome Italy on the "Conte Bianco" with his mother and his brother Benny in January of 1929 to join his father Flippo who was already in America. He began his life and education in the USA at 6 years old, learning English and attending a one-room schoolhouse on Sugar Street where the Ford Plant is today.
In 1938 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, working in Idaho for 6 months. After entering the Army Air Corp in 1943, he served 3 years as part of the 1077th AAF Unit at Hastings AFB in Nebraska. He was trained as a Celestial Navigation Operator Instructor, using The Link Flight Trainer to teach pilots and navigators to fly by instruments. He later found out that the crews that dropped the atomic bombs on Japan, that ended the war, had been among his students.

When he returned home from the service in 1946, he took employment with Superior Coach in Lima as a welder for 18 years.
He left Superior Coach and started in the concrete construction business with a partner. In 1962, with the help of his wife Betty and his children, he formed his own concrete construction company, Treglia Construction. His was the first business in the Lima area to do poured concrete walls. He estimated that he had poured over 1500 basements before he "retired."
He was a charter member of CIAO. He was a member of the American Legion and the Eagles in addition to other organizations.
Frank loved his family and friends, and especially delighted in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, He loved working in his garden, telling stories about the "old country", drinking a cold beer, and in his younger days playing a great Beer Barrel Polka on his accordion.

Surviving are two sons, Philip M. Treglia of Port Clinton, OH and Frank R. (Sarah Woessner) Treglia of Waynesfield, OH, a daughter, Pauline "Polly" (Chris) Kirian of Westminster, OH, and a brother, Tony (Carolyn) Treglia of Lafayette, OH. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Elizabeth "Beth" (Joseph) Mahoney of San Diego, CA; Lt. Col. Philip J.(Laura) Treglia of 29 Palms, CA; Joshua (Michelle) Kirian of Harrod; Dr. Jeffrey (Melissa) Kirian of Pataskala, OH; Alicia (Ty) Hardin of Waynesfield, OH; and Christina Kirian of Ada, OH. There are also ten Great Grandchildren surviving: Abigail and Joseph Mahoney; Alexander and Tate Treglia; Riley, Teagan, Grady, and Jacob Kirian; Ali Epperly; and Wyatt Hardin. Mr. Treglia is also survived by a Brother-in-law John(Pam) Allen of Crossville, TN; Sister-in-laws Saundra Sue (Don) Landry of Napoleon, OH and JoAnne Treglia of Cridersville; and two Daughter-in-laws: Anne Treglia and Nelda Treglia.

He was predeceased by brothers, Benedict P. Treglia and A.P. "Mick" Treglia; two nephews Samuel P. Treglia and Mark A. Landry; a niece- Cynthia (Landry) Buchhop and a very close friend Flora Freshour.

A Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home with the Father David M. Ross officiating. Interment will be in Allentown Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, August 15, 2011, and one hour prior to services on Tuesday at the Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be sent to Community Health Professionals, St. Judes Children's Hospital, the West Ohio Food Bank or Donor's Choice .

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com