Francis J. "Pap" Urban, 93, of Westmont, went to be with the Lord May 10, 2026.

He was born January 31, 1933 in Johnstown.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Nancy (Harrington) Urban; his brothers, James Urban and Robert Urban; and his parents, Frank and Margaret (Molchany) Urban.

He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Vranich and his son, Timothy Urban (Michele Ludwig); his grandchildren: James Curry (married to Katie Tokarsky), Daniel Curry (fiancé Lindy Fisher) and Samuel Curry; and his great grand children, Ryan and Lily Curry. Also survived by his nieces and nephews.

Fran was a graduate of Johnstown High School. He was drafted to play Major League Baseball but had to decline as he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served during the Korean War. In the army, he lettered in baseball, basketball and football.

He later went on to attend Arizona State University where he played quarterback from 1955-1959. 

Fran worked several years as a scout for the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks. Francis was a huge supporter of Westmont Hilltop sports where he served many years as a volunteer football coach for both the junior high and high school teams. He was inducted into the Cambria County Hall of Fame in 2018. 

He retired from Miller Picking Corp where he was employed as plant manager. 

Fran also loved music and taught himself to play the harmonica as a young child. He played throughout his life and most recently for his McCullough Place family.

Fran was a great role model to his family, especially his grandsons.

Fran often said: "As my life on earth ends and I go to meet my Lord , I will be at peace knowing that I have used all that God has given me."

There will be a private family viewing on Wednesday, May 20th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont, 1622 Menoher Blvd. Johnstown.

Following the family viewing time, friends are invited to celebrate together a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 415 Tioga St. Johnstown, Very Rev. Mark S. Begly.

Entombment to follow at Grandview Mausoleum.

Many thanks to AseraCare Hospice and the McCullough Place staff for their care of Fran in his final days.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Francis J. Urban, please visit our floral store.