Obituary: Frank R. Mascara / Congressman, 'dean of Washington County politics'
Share with others:
Gentlemanly but hard-nosed in politics, Frank R. Mascara based many of his decisions on blue-collar principles while always careful to proclaim that he neither drank, gambled or chased women.
Humble in the face of praise, the "dean of Washington County politics" who served as county commissioner before serving four terms in Congress, also could brag and even turn arrogant when embattled or criticized.
One example occurred in 1994 when he described Southpointe, the successful development in Cecil that critics initially dubbed "Frank's Folly," as his political legacy to Washington County.
"The county is ready to take off," he said at one political event, "and I'm the reason for that."
Mr. Mascara, of Charleroi, died of lung cancer Sunday in Monongahela Valley Hospital. He was 81.
"He was the dean of Washington County politics," said Herman J. Bigi, a friend, political ally and county district attorney from 1980 to 1984. "Frank had a warm, engaging personality. But if he wanted something done that he thought was right, he was tough and even arrogant."
The son of Italian immigrants, Mr. Mascara became an orphan at 16. With his parents gone, he put his mind to pursuing an education. The native of Belle Vernon, Fayette County, graduated from Vernon High School and served a year in the Army before attending the University of Pittsburgh for two years, where he played linebacker and center on the football team. He spent a year at Duquesne University and eventually graduated in 1972 from California State College, now California University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Mascara, an accountant, sold insurance then helped start Colonial Consumer Finance Co. in Charleroi. In 1972, he campaigned throughout Washington County, traveling in a Winnebago, and defeated incumbent Peter Elish for controller.
A drummer with jazz bands in his younger years, Mr. Mascara sometimes would sit in to play drums with the band during campaign events. The campaigns included such signs as "Your Mascara is Running" and "A New Era with Mascara." In 1979, he was elected as county commissioner and served as board chairman for 14 years.
First Published July 11, 2011 12:00 am
