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Francis J. Nowalk

October 07, 1928 - September 09, 2024

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Obituary For Francis J. Nowalk

A man of deep and enduring faith, Francis Joseph Nowalk was received into the arms of his Redeemer on Monday, September 9, 2024. Son of the late Joseph G. and Catherine M. (Healy) Nowalk, Francis was born on October 7, 1928, the oldest of three children. Growing up in Carrick he attended St. Basil’s School, then North Catholic High School which he loyally supported for decades after graduation. To help pay tuition, Francis began working at Argo Light, a job which laid the foundation for his own lighting and metal fabrication business. Francis was a 1950 graduate of Duquesne University School of Business and was inducted into Duquesne University’s Century Club in 2000. He was named Whitehall Borough’s Person of the Year in 2015 and received the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s Manifesting the Kingdom Award in 2013.

As a teenager, Francis met the love of his life the late Teresa (Tess) Rectenwald who were married for 69 years. Together they raised six children: James (Tricia) Nowalk, Robert (Jennifer) Nowalk, Mary (Patrick) Wood all of Whitehall Borough, Nancy (Scot) McKinnis and Beth (James) Schmiedlin of Culver Indiana, and Sally (Ray) Helfer of Nashville. Their family includes 20 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. In addition, Francis is survived by his sister, Kathleen Till and cousin, Rosemary Grogan, sisters-in-law Shirley Warner and Mary Helen Rectenwald, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tom and sister-in-law, Lourdes Nowalk and his brother-in-law, William Till.

Two themes that weave through Francis’s life are faith and beauty. Francis was an influential and lifelong member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin Church (Our Lady of Hope Parish) and School (now Mother of Mercy Academy). In the 1970s, he led and served as spokesperson for the effort to construct the current church building for a young and growing parish. In the 1980s, he was the impetus for the tithing program “God’s plan in the Bible,” as the divinely ordained means for funding church operations including a tuition-free Catholic school for 75 years. Francis served for many years on the St. Gabriel School Advisory Board and the church’s Finance Committee, and as an usher for 60 years.

From its humble beginning ”in his mother’s basement,” Nowalk Lighting grew in size and stature to become the preeminent business of its kind in Pittsburgh. As a Master craftsman, Francis excelled in old world metalwork and held a special competence in bronze and crystal chandeliers. His work can be seen throughout the Pittsburgh region and beyond, in among many others, churches such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, synagogues such as Rodef Shalom Temple, Heinz Hall, Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning, the Allegheny County Courthouse, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, and the finest homes in the area.

As a proud Irishman, Francis had a lovely tenor singing voice, which he used to entertain family and friends, as well as the gift of gab. Many who have stopped by his shop in Bloomfield over the last 75 years can tell a story of the time he spent and the knowledge he so freely shared, always tying the presence of beauty back to faith.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 2-8 p.m. where a funeral prayer will be held on Saturday morning at 9:15. Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin Church, 5200 Greenridge Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Father John R. Haney Angel Fund, in care of Our Lady of Hope Parish at 7003 Baptist Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102. Make checks payable to Our Lady of Hope Parish with “Fr. J.R. Haney Angel Fund-Nowalk” in the memo line.

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Condolences

  • October 27, 2024

    I was thinking about Mr. Norwalk recently & then saw in the Honor a Life section of last Sunday's paper that he had passed away last month. I only met him twice, almost 30 years ago, when I met with him to make a chandelier & when I picked it up. It still hangs in my dining room today. I remember him as a kind, gentle & talented man & am sorry for your loss🙏 Sincerely, Kathy McGlone

  • September 23, 2024

    It was an honor to know your father and to enjoy his beautiful work. We are keeping you in our thoughts. Bruce and Mary Margaret.

  • September 17, 2024

    Any time spent with Francis will be remembered as engaging and genuine. Francis was a wonderful conversationalist and truly interesting gentleman. We admired his commitment to family and faith. Our heartfelt condolences to the Nowalk family. P. T. and Pam McKinnis

  • September 14, 2024

    Our sincerest condolences to the entire Nowalk family. Rest in peace, dear Francis. John and Gwen Lattimer

  • September 14, 2024

    Truly a blessing to have known Francis J. Nowalk. After being in his presence and having many great conversations, shared laughter and memories around the dining table with him and his beautiful family...you walk away uplifted. As an inspiration and role model to all for a life well-lived and for sharing your faith with us we thank you. Our hearts go out to all the family for your loss. We know he is safely home. Mary Louise Abbott and Jane (Abbott) Rohm

  • September 12, 2024

    Mr. Francis is good, kind and gentle. He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. sincerely

  • September 12, 2024

    To Nowalk family, Mr. Francis is good, kind and gentle. He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely fr. dam nguyen

  • September 12, 2024

    Uncle Francis a fabulous father and great uncle. Our condolences to the entire Nowalk family. Ron and Helen Lazenga

  • September 12, 2024

    I wish I could talk with him again. keith gallagher

  • September 12, 2024

    It is with great respect and admiration that we remember Mr. Nowalk, a man whose lifelong dedication to preservation and conservation left an indelible mark on Pittsburgh. Though I never had the privilege of knowing him personally, his tireless efforts to safeguard and protect the city's history stand as a testament to his passion and commitment. His work was truly a labor of love, preserving parts of Pittsburgh for future generations. May his name and legacy live on in the city he cherished so deeply.

  • September 12, 2024

    Forever my cousin...always my friend! Rosemary

  • September 12, 2024

    We are very sorry to hear of your loss. We played 500 Bid with Fran and Tess for several years. They were a true love story. We enjoyed listening to Fran's stories of his work and family. May he rest in peace. God Bless! Jack and Jan Claherty