LTC Francisco Santos Junkin Obituary (1977 - 2023)

LTC Francisco Santos Junkin, age 46, of Erie, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart attack on Saturday, April 8, 2023. He was born in Erie on January 25, 1977, the son of the late Roberta Junkin. Frank was a 1995 graduate of East High School. He graduated from Penn State Behrend with a bachelor's degree in Accounting and earned a master's degree in Business and Ethics from Duquesne University. He was currently pursuing a second master's degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Frank joined the US Army on his 17th birthday, beginning what became a 29-year career in the Armed Forces. Frank once told his wife Kathy that he felt like he was born to be an infantryman. He was a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, during which he served two tours of duty. He loved being in the military, most of all because he loved his fellow soldiers and considered many of his soldiers his second family. He took so much pride in watching his fellow soldiers succeed. During his time in the Army, he was recognized many times for his excellent work ethic and ability to lead others. He was awarded the Bronze Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (twice), the Army Commendation Medal (7x), the Pennsylvania Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Major Octavius Catto Medal, and the National Infantry Association's Order of St. Maurice Medal. Frank was a member of the National Infantry Association. Even though his favorite pastime was spending time with his family, he adored movies and the many TV series that streaming services had to offer. In addition, he was a video, card, and board game aficionado. He was well known for his "advanced game theory". Frank loved dogs, especially "Frankie" and "Gus", and his late best friend, "Cupcake". He loved running, and good conversation with friends over a snifter of bourbon and a good cigar. Frank had the most extraordinary sense of humor and loved to make everyone around him laugh. He was a champion at cracking jokes at his own expense and jagging his friends and family with a wry smile that would melt the hardest heart. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Kathleen (Majersky) Junkin, whose heart he stole when they were just 16, and he will remain her soul mate, comfort, and safe space for as long as she lives. Together they built a happy life and brought three sons into their world with love: Ethan Francisco Junkin, Isaac Francisco Junkin, and Alex Francisco Junkin. They will carry on his name with as much pride as their father had for them. Frank so loved his family that he gave everything that he had in order to give them the best life they could ask for, and he still managed to be his sons' best friend, father, mentor, and confidant. He is additionally survived by a large extended family including his father-in-law, Larry Majersky (Susan East More); mother-in-law, Nancy Leszunov (David); siblings-in-law: Greg Majersky, Kelley Majersky (Ronnie), Matt Majersky, and Stephanie Majersky; a half-brother, Angel Baez-Sprague; and special family members: Mary Jo, Mackenzie, Dylan, and Ashlynn Schley, and Joe, Jim, and John Kleiner. Frank is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his mother, Frank was preceded in death by his "grandma", Marianna Kleiner; and his maternal grandmother, Gayle Junkin Farrell. Family and friends are warmly invited to call at the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 5151 Buffalo Rd. (at Hannon Rd. in Harborcreek) on Friday, April 14th, from 3 to 7 PM, and are further invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday, April 15th at 1 PM at the Cathedral Preparatory Event Center | Dollinger Field, 501 West 12th St., where full military honors will be rendered. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed via Zoom. Frank's civilian and military family will gather to further honor his memory at a reception following the service. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ANNA Shelter or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.