Frank James Garren Jr.

Frank James Garren, Jr., affectionately known to all as “Junior,” passed away peacefully in his family home in Bavington, Pennsylvania, on May 11, 2026, following a hard-fought battle with skin cancer. He was 78 years old.

Born on April 11, 1948, in Bavington, PA, Junior was the son of the late Frank James and Helen Jane Puskar Garren. A graduate of Fort Cherry High School, Junior, built a life rooted in hard work, determination, family, and the simple joys of the outdoors.

Junior was a man who never pretended to be anything other than himself. Blunt, stubborn, fearless, and quick with a joke, he always spoke his mind, whether people were ready to hear it or not. His family often laughed and said, “You do not want to go out to eat with Junior,” because in his eyes the food was never prepared correctly. No matter what was served, ketchup somehow found its way onto it.

Those who knew him best understood that beneath his tough exterior was a man of unmatched loyalty and grit. He was meticulous in everything he did, deeply routine-oriented, and possessed a work ethic that simply never quit. Junior spent more than three decades working at Weirton Steel Corporation, retiring from the supply room after years of dedicated service. In addition to his work at the mill, he proudly owned and operated Frank J. Garren, Jr. Excavating, where his determination and skill became well known throughout the community.

Outside of work, Junior truly came alive outdoors. He loved antique tractor pulls, especially showcasing the Minneapolis Moline tractor that he painstakingly rebuilt himself. He looked forward to county fairs every year, particularly the Canfield Fair, and enjoyed spotting deer along country roads, attending horse pulls, hunting, and simply taking drives through the countryside. These moments brought him peace and happiness.

Junior was also a proud Mason, holding membership as a 50-year Master Mason with the Richard Vaux Masonic Lodge 454 A.F. & A.M.

Above all else, Junior treasured the love he shared with Virginia Leuice, his beloved companion of 37 years, who preceded him in death. Their bond was one of devotion, companionship, and enduring love. He was never the same after Virginia’s passing on October 15, 2020.

He is survived by his grandchildren, Katarina (Michael McLaughlin) Garren and Helena Garren; his daughter-in-law, Michele Garren; Virginia’s children, Jimmy and Lyman (Amanda) Leuice, Cindy (Bob) Lonick, Caroline (Sean) McLaughlin, and Melissa (Robert) Green; his step-grandchildren, Ashley (Gary) Greene, Josh (Stacy) Schmalsteig, Levi, Brant, and Carter Leuice, Courtney (Michael) and Bradley (Madi) McLaughlin, Lexus, Alyssa (Anthony), Bobby, Jaden, and Hunter Green, and James, Mason, and Olivia Leuice Ricky and Nicky Grace; and his great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Adelynn, Baby McLaughlin arriving soon, Sadie and Cooper McLaughlin, and Taylor and Gunner Grace; and his dear friend, Nancy Dellapiazza.

Private visitation and funeral services were held Thursday, May 14th, 2026 at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton.

Preacher Pat Schaeffer presided.

Junior was laid to rest beside the love of his life, Virginia, at Grandview Cemetery.

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