Obituaries

Francis Eugene Onest, 90

August 2, 1933 - September 20, 2023

Francis E. (Gene) Onest, 90, passed away on September 20, 2023, at his Lancaster, PA home. He was born in Erie, PA, on August 2, 1933, and lived in the Erie area most of his life. He was drafted shortly after graduating from Albion High School and served in the Army in Korea. Before, during and after his time in Korea, he worked as a Fireman on both Steam and Diesel Locomotive engines, spending 10 years with the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad. Upon getting out of the Army he attended Edinboro State Teachers College and graduated in 1961. He taught for 31 years in the North East, Pennsylvania school district.

Gene was a long-time member of the Lawrence Park United Methodist Church, Erie, and served in many capacities during his time there. He was also a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Lancaster. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren to hunt. He enjoyed his family and loved doing things with his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Frank G. Onest and Henrietta Kidon, and his brothers Richard M. Onest and Jacob Onest. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Marilyn E. (Vesling) Onest, whom he met in college, as well as his five children: Dr. Karla Campanella and her husband Cary of Lancaster, PA; Scott Onest and his wife Deb of Minersville, PA; Amy Onest of Austin, TX; Tracy Frank Onest and his wife Carol of St Louis, MO; and Trevor Onest and his wife Pam of Canonsburg, PA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Olivia, Leo, Jesse, Ross, Aidan, Bridget, and Nina and his younger brother Theodore (Ted) Onest of Ocala, FL.

A viewing will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm, followed by the funeral at 4:30 pm with The Rev. Jason B. Perkowski officiating, on Monday, September 25, 2023, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, Lititz PA 17543. The funeral service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the link below.

Inurnment with Military Honors will take place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA on Tuesday, September 26th at 3:00 pm.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith United Methodist Church, 1290 Fruitville, Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 or the Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page

Condolences to the Family

October 02, 2023

Marilyn and Family, Murph and I are truly sad about Gene’s passing. This was t time of year we always connected on our friendship . They always enjoyed their times together. We have all been blessed with long lives together. We pray for you as you grieve and know that Gene will be with you in spirit. God bless. Murph and Judy

September 29, 2023

To the Onest Family and Friends,
Sincere sympathy to all. I have fond memories of the whole family and that is a tribute to Gene. We had more than one conversation about teaching, hunting and family. All are in my prayers. Craig Sluga

September 28, 2023

A beautiful service for a wonderful man. Our love to you all. Blessings, Richard and Melody Briggs

September 27, 2023

Marilyn and family — We were so sad to hear of Gene’s passing. He was a wonderful neighbor in Lawrence Park and always came across the street when Tom was working on one of his projects. We always enjoyed the stories he shared with us. You are all in our thoughts.
Sheila and Tom Hultgren

September 26, 2023

I knew Francis decades ago as part of PJAS. I was a new teacher in the late 80s and he was so welcoming and kind. I always enjoyed talking with him at our competitions and trips to state. My deepest sympathies to the family. He was a true gentleman.
Gloria Herlihy

September 26, 2023

Scott, Amy and Onest family; You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Andrea Izbicki

September 24, 2023

So sorry for your loss. Pat and Patty Crotty

September 24, 2023

We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Gene was a wonderful person who touched the lives of many. May you find strength and comfort in the memories you shared together.
JD & April Simpson and family

September 24, 2023

So sorry for “Gene’s” passing. Prayers for all who loved him. Rose & Bill Kuhn

September 24, 2023

So sorry for your loss. Memory Eternal
Doug and Darcie Burkholder

September 24, 2023

I had the privilege of having taught with gene for a large part of his 31 years at North East. As a new teacher to the district, his kindness and help made settling in to my job so much easier and over the years he became a dear colleague and friend. He and Marilyn were so welcoming and he shared stories about his children and their accomplishments proudly over the years. I will remember fondly remember him and keep his family and children in my thoughts.
Cheri Dohmen

September 24, 2023

Scott and Family, I am sorry for your loss. He was a good man.
Rick Zemanek

September 22, 2023

To the Onest Family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time
Mary Ann Thomas

September 22, 2023

Sorry for your loss. He was a special man. Prayers for family at this sad time.
Fredda Massari

September 22, 2023

My sincere sympathy to Marilyn and to their children. Many memories of Gene from his L.Park church. A very lovely person who will be missed by many. Warm regards, Sue Cyphert

September 22, 2023

Our deepest sympathy in the lose of your best friend and husband, father and grandfather. May God give you all peace and strength through this most difficult time. We, too, will miss Gene and our great conversations.
Blessings,
Dave and Roberta Simpson

Visitation: Monday, September 25, 2023; 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Monday, September 25, 2023; 4:30 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >