RIMOLT

FRANCIS J.

Francis Rimolt was known by many names: Rab, Franny, Dad, Pap Pap, Old Pap, Pal and Mr. Fran. He was deeply loved by his parents, Mary and Frank, who showed him the country and took him around the world. "I had two great parents," he'd always say. He had a sister, the late Lois Jean (Wolff), whom he loved dearly and affectionately sparred with.

His late wife of 70 years, Vera (Miller), was the love of his life. He loved her fiercely, and she always made sure his meals were just the right temperature — hot! Together, they raised seven daughters — "I wouldn't want it any other way," he'd say — and finally, a son.

Elaine (Michael) Garko, Linda (Bobby) Erb, Eileen (Dennis) Keneavy, Michele (Doug) Parr, Donna (Dave) Stewart, Christine (Joe) Evanchick, Christopher (Carrie) Rimolt and the late Frankie (Neil) Huey.

From those eight children came 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Franny often remarked how blessed he and Vera were to have "the seven best sons-in-law and one daughter-in-law you could imagine." He took great pride in his family and the relationships He built with each of them.

Franny was known for the abundance of friends he made during his 50 years behind the bar he owned, called RABS, which was featured in Pittsburgh Magazine as a notable neighborhood bar. RABS was a place where everyone truly knew your name. There was an

entertaining menu on the mirror, bagpipes on St. Patrick's Day, and even a visit from the Stanley Cup in 1991.

Franny managed his finances with the skill of an accountant, putting all eight children through college — each one earning a degree — on a bartender's salary. Even with seven daughters in the house, he famously kept the monthly water bill to just six dollars — a testament to his life-long commitment to water conservation. He was an environmentalist well before his time, with water conservation being his personal cause for many, many years.

A proud World War II veteran, Franny faithfully attended the annual North Side Memorial Day ceremony. He cherished his yearly golf trips to Myrtle Beach, fishing excursions in Canada, and especially family vacations to Erie, Shawnee, Kusher and Oglebay. Sundays often meant a drive to North Park to feed the ducks — a simple family tradition that is still talked about between his children. Franny was also known for walking up and down York Drive, chatting with everyone — neighbors, construction workers, anyone who crossed his path. He was endlessly social and a natural talker, always ready with a story or a joke.

He was blessed with exceptional neighbors who looked out for him until age 98, when he moved to Ridgecrest of McCandless. The care and love he received there were unmatched.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff, nurses, aides, and hospice workers who cared for Mr. Fran with such tenderness and affection. We will always remember the love you showed him.

Special thanks also go to dear friend Dennis Murphy, and Janice Kyle, who were routinely by his side, offering friendship, support and a listening ear for many of Franny's entertaining stories. We'd also like to thank Eileen Keneavy and Dave and Donna Stewart, for their unwavering dedication, presence and comfort they brought to Franny after Vera's passing.

A special thank you to Dennis Keneavy for the love and care he showed Franny. No words can express our thankfulness for the patience, understanding and compassion he honored his father (in-law) with.

We attribute Franny's long life to a loving wife, a devoted family and circle of friends, delicious home-cooked meals, good wine — and lots of milk. If he said it once, he said it a million times: "I was truly blessed."

Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30 a.m., on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Regina Coeli Parish, Church of the Assumption, 45 N. Sprague Avenue, Bellevue. Everyone will meet at the church. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Arrangements by LAWRENCE T. MILLER FUNERAL INC., Bellevue.