Colonel Francis P. Cancelliere II (Retired), age 77, of Peppermint Road, Coopersburg PA, died Thursday, July 25, 2002 at the St. Luke's Hospital, Fountain Hill PA. He was the Husband of Jeanne (Van Erk) Cancelliere. The couple celebrated their 54th Wedding Anniversary in June.

Born in Williamsport PA, he was the son of the late Emmanuel and Lula (Martin) Cancelliere. In 1986 he became Owner and CEO of Bethlehem Contracting, Bath PA, before retiring in 1995. From 1978-1986 he was Vice President of Bethlehem Contracting, Bath PA. He previously worked for the Archdioceses of New York from 1970-1978 in Facilities Management. He was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corp, having served World War II and in the United States Army during the Korean War of which 23 years were in active service. He earned his B.S. and Masters from Georgia Tech in 1955. While in the Marine Corp, he received his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a B.S. in 1948. While stationed at West Point, Col. Cancelliere served as Treasurer of the US Military Academy. He was of the Catholic Faith.

He is survived by his Wife; Sons, Francis Paul of Coplay PA, Thomas of Palmerton PA, John of Nazareth PA, Michael of Coopersburg PA and Kevin of West Chester PA; Daughters, Anne Schalestock of Casanova VA, Kathryn McKinney of Carlisle PA, Mary Taranto of Edison NJ and Jeanne Lesoravage of Stanford CT; Sister, Marie of Williamsport PA; 20 Grandchildren and 1 Great Granddaughter. He is Predeceased in death by his Son, Daniel Joseph in 1965.

A Funeral Mass will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday, August 1, 2002 in the Holy Trinity Chapel, West Point NY. The Reverend Bernard O'Connor officiating. Family and Friends may call 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 326 Main Street, Hellertown PA, and 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Church. Interment in United States Military Academy Cemetery, West Point NY.