Frank J. Nemshick Jr.

Frank J. Nemshick, Jr., a devoted family man, respected public servant, and tireless advocate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2026, at the age of 93.

Frank lived a life defined by service, dedication, faith, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. He earned his bachelor’s degree from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and went on to enjoy a distinguished 38-year career with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, where he served as Statistician and Statistical Manager. Throughout his career, Frank worked diligently to expand opportunities and accessibility for individuals with disabilities and was widely respected for his integrity, compassion, and leadership.

He served for more than 25 years as Secretary and Board Member of the Pennsylvania State Association of the Deaf; as a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Philadelphia for eight years; as Secretary of the Greater Harrisburg Association of the Deaf for 20 years; as Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Center for Independent Living in Harrisburg for 10 years; as a Member of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Advisory Committee for the Pennsylvania Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation for 20 years; and as a Member of the Diocese Advisory Board for Services for People with Disabilities for the Diocese of Harrisburg for 20 years. In 1968, he was part of a PSAD delegation that overturned the state rule that did not allow sign language in state funded deaf schools. In 1986, as the PSAD legislative liaison, he helped to establish the law that created the PA Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. In 2019, he authored “Deaf in Pennsylvania” partly an autobiography but with an emphasis on laws, services and customs that affected the communities that he was a part of and advocated for his entire life. In 2014, he received the Kings College Alumni Award for Service to Society. In 2020, he was inducted into the PA School for the Deaf Alumni Association Achievement Hall of Fame. Through these roles, Frank touched the lives of countless individuals and left a legacy of advocacy, inclusion, and service.

Above all, Frank cherished his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend whose wisdom, kindness, sense of humor and steady presence will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his daughter, Louise Montoya, and her husband, William "Chris" Montoya; grandson Dr. Christopher Montoya and his wife, Dr. Sara Aijaz; granddaughter Dominique Montoya, and her husband, Jordon Rapoport; step-granddaughters Stephanie Marie Valadez and Bernadette Montoya.

He is also survived by his daughter, Nancy Beatty, and her husband, Todd Beatty; grandsons Jonathan Berg, Justin Berkeley and his wife, Dana Berkeley, great-grandson Theo Berkeley and grandson Jamie Berg and his partner, Kahlida Cephas.

Frank is survived by his son, Frank Nemshick III, and wife Jessica Nemshick; granddaughter Madison Nemshick and her fiancé, William Alvord; and grandsons Colin Nemshick and Carter Nemshick.

He is further survived by his daughter, Frances Roussey, and her husband, Greg Roussey; granddaughter Stella Roussey; and his sister, Stella Schwork of Robinsonville, New Jersey.

Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Nancy Marie (Belardi) Nemshick; and by his sisters, Frances Price and Elizabeth "Betty" Parks.

His example of generosity, perseverance, and faith continues to inspire all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, Frank requested that memorial contributions be made to the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, 100 W. Schoolhouse Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19144, or to a charity of the donor's choice(as per Frank’s request).

"A life well shared, good and faithful servant."

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 6150 Allentown Blvd, Harrisburg, PA 17112 beginning at 10:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM, interment at Resurrection Cemetery will immediately follow the mass.