Joseph P. Frola

Joseph P. Frola, age 50, passed away in Latrobe, PA on June 18, 2022 while working on the family farm, a place he loved so much. Born in Morgantown, WV on May 1, 1972, he was a lifelong resident of Uniontown. Joe was a Registered Professional Engineer in Ohio and had a BS in geology from The Ohio State University. Additionally, he had both a BS and MS in civil engineering from The University of Akron. He was Executive Vice President of Operations for Sweeping Corp. of America. Joe was an avid reader with a knowledge base second to none. He was the go-to guy for any question you could have. With Joe one rarely had to go to an internet search engine to find information. Construction and all things mechanical were his passions. Although not a trained horticulturalist, he had an unparalleled knowledge of plants and tree. Instead of saying “This is a violet” he would identify it by its botanical name often when talking “shop” with his botanist trained father. Joe also had a passion for art created by Western Pennsylvania artists who were of his artist grandfather’s generation, establishing his own impressive collection over the years. When talking about the paintings he would tell you about the artist’s personal history but also the history represented in the painting. Joe loved Ohio State football, spending his Saturdays tailgating with his friends and going to the game. Joe never knew a stranger and had an innate ability to create and maintain lasting friendships. He was always there to lend an ear and give sound advice. A friend said that Joe was easy to be a friend to because you knew he cared for you as a person. He always gave more than he took, always perceptive of the needs of those around him. The world was a better place with him in it and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Dr. John L. Frola Sr. He is survived by his mother, Cynthia C. Frola; brother, John L. Frola Jr. (Anna M. Salerno); niece and nephews to whom he was their godfather and more than just an uncle, Giuliana Rose, John Pasquale, and Joseph Antonio, with their mother Michele L. Frola; special family member Caesar Vincenzo Salerno; numerous cousins and best friend, fraternity brother, and colleague, Jarret S. Barnes. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the GLSD Art Conservation Trust, 131 High School Road, Latrobe PA 15650 in his name. Friends and family will be received Friday, June 24th from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd. Akron (Ellet), OH 44312. Funeral mass will be held Saturday, June 25th at 11 a.m. at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, 2425 Myersville Rd. Akron, OH 44312 with Father Zachary Kawalec and Father David Halaiko officiating. Joe will now return to watch over the farm that he loved so much in the family cemetery, next to his father, that he was creating when he passed.