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Our History

In 1946, Frank A. Duca, Sr. and Jack S. Cammarata formed a partnership known as the Cammarata & Duca Funeral Home.  They were both born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a small town of immigrant steel workers and trained craftsmen and strong ethnic heritage.  Both were graduates of Johnstown High School, veterans of World War II and graduates of 1938 American Academy of Embalming, New York, where Frank Duca was at the top of his class.

After graduation, with help from family and friends, he purchased an estate located at the corner of Locust and Jackson Streets in downtown Johnstown.  The Downtown Chapel withstood the great floods 1936 and 1977.  The building is located one block from St. John Gualbert Cathedral and two blocks from Central Park.

In 1975, Frank A. Duca, Jr., graduated from Westmont Hilltop high School, attended the University of Pittsburgh and in 1978 he graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.  He served his internship under his father.  Frank Sr. passed away on February 8, 1981, and Mr. Cammarata retired shortly thereafter.  Frank Jr. then formed the Frank Duca Funeral Home.

Through hard work and determination, the business doubled in size, and in 1983, Frank Duca purchased a large estate in Westmont that was built in approximately 1907.

In June, 1984, major expansion work was completed and the Westmont Chapel was opened for business.  The building is located next to the former Stutzmen School at the intersection of Menoher Blvd., and Goucher Streets.  This occurred during a period of rapid growth in the Johnstown area.  Business grew quickly by serving all races, religious and ethnic groups so incorporation of the Frank Duca Funeral Home was competed on January 1, 1996.

The Frank Duca Funeral Home invites schools, civic groups and church organizations to tour the facility.  We discuss Pre-need and Aftercare programs.  We are currently coordinating a Death & Dying library.  There is an interest and a need for people to have access to books and reference books regarding death and the dealing of it by the loved ones that remain with us.  This library will have books to help explain situations to children to help them come to terms with and understand death in a manner appropriate for their age groups.  This is just one example of how we are working to support our community and provide information and fellowship with our friends in the community.

We also speak to organizations to discuss any part of our business and procedures to meet the needs and interest of the group.  We assist with monument purchases, cemetery lots and offer many suggestions as to the immediate needs as occurs.

The Frank Duca Funeral Home has been dedicated to personal and compassionate service to our families in the community and will continue to do so for generations to come.