Frank L. DiFava, 91, of Lebanon, passed away on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at home. He was the loving husband of Bertha K. (Buffenmeyer) DiFava. They would have celebrated their 70th anniversary in July - a true testament to their unconditional love, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment.

Born in Lebanon on January 4, 1932, Frank was the son of the late John and Mary (DiCarlo) DiFava.

A lifelong resident of Lebanon, he was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Cornwall and a veteran of the United States Air Force. Prior to his retirement, Frank worked for 37 years as a machinist for the former RCA in Lancaster. Afterwards, he found a new role with Brightbill Transportation as a bus driver for the Cornwall Lebanon School District.

Frank was proud to be one of the original members of Lebanon's Polka Pals where he not only enjoyed the music and camaraderie of the polka community, but created lasting friendships along the way. Frank also had many other hobbies. He could often be found working in their beautifully maintained yard where he kept busy either chopping wood, trimming trees, or tending to his garden. Among his many talents, Frank had an uncanny ability to use divining rods to locate water sources. His knack for this ancient practice was nothing short of remarkable and often left those around him in awe.

A true artist at heart, Frank discovered the craft of wood whittling through a coworker who taught him to carve peach pits into crucifixes, tiny baskets, and earrings. With time and practice, he began crafting larger wooden pieces with intricate detail. There's a long list of masterpieces, all lovingly created, that include Santa figurines, swans, eagles, nutcrackers, vultures, and a large carousel horse as well as 17 miniature carousel horses that are now some of his family and friends most treasured keepsakes.

Frank will forever be remembered for his kind and gentle nature, his admirable work ethic, and boundless creativity.

In addition to his wife, Frank is survived by six children - Deborah Kercher and her husband Jeffrey of Lebanon, Theresa Wentling of Annville, Joseph DiFava and his wife Teanna of Schaefferstown, Frances Collins and her husband Jerald of Lansdale, Rosemarie Snyder and her husband Dave of Lewisberry, and Louis DiFava and his wife Rebecca of Schaefferstown; eleven grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Michael Wentling; three brothers - John, Anthony, and Pasquale and his sister, Jennie.

Funeral services will be held privately. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with arrangements. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com