Franklin J. Chiles

Franklin J. Chiles, 90, of Bethlehem, died on Monday, March 4, 2013. He was born in Fountain Hill on February 13, 1923; son of the late Frank Groman and Madia (Furry) Chiles. Frank is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Anne (Concilio) Chiles.

Frank served in the US Army Air Corps during WWII. He was assigned to the Army Specialized Training Corps during the early 1940's. During this time Frank passed a test qualifying him for Pre-Med and was accepted by the Army to attend the Temple University School of Medicine. His desire to become a doctor was interrupted when his family required his help. While at home caring for his family, Frank continued taking courses at Lehigh University. He earned both his Fine Art and Civil Engineering degrees in February of 1950.

He was the owner and operator of Chiles and Sillivan, Inc. from 1950 to 1985, with his partner Donald Sillivan. His legacy is the many buildings that their company has built and renovated. Frank was a long time parishioner of St. Anne's Catholic Church, Bethlehem. He was ordained a Deacon of the Allentown Diocese in 1990 and served the members of the University Parish of Holy Ghost, Bethlehem.

Frank will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Anne; daughters, Karen and her husband, Bill Maurer; Christine and her husband Joe Garvey; Heidi and her husband Clair Wheeler and Mariane and her husband, Jon Randall; sons, Eric and his wife, Gail; Mark; Vincent and his wife, Deb Kemmerling; Patrick and his wife, Nina and Daniel and his wife, Kana; his foster daughters, Raisa (Godin) Williams and Mayra (Godin) Focht as well as 24 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Leila Chiles Sloan.

Frank was an avid sportsman, particularly tennis. At various stages in his life, Frank enjoyed fishing, camping with his family, golf and outdoor pursuits. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Frank enjoyed art, classical music, arguing about politics, and he had a deep and abiding faith in God. Frank was awarded the Honor Medal for Unusual Heroism from the National Boy Scouts of America in 2009 for his part in rescuing a man drowning in the Monocacy Creek in 2008.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11 am on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 450 Washington Ave. Bethlehem, PA 18017. The family will greet guests from 10-11 am at the church. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church.

Funeral Mass
Saturday, March 23, 2013
11:00 AM
St. Anne's Catholic Church
450 Washington Ave.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531