Franklin Dean Peirano, 91, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Monday morning, August 11, 2025, at the Russell Regional Hospital.
Frank was born February 17, 1934, in Wilson, Kansas. He was one of nine children born to Augustine and Pearl (Gustus) Peirano. He grew up in Wilson and graduated from Wilson High School in the class of 1952.
Frank was united in marriage to Melva Arlene Rassette on October 17, 1954. This union was blessed with three children; Alan, Brenda and Curtis. They made their home in Russell. Melva and Frank were married over 67 years before she preceded him in death on March 24, 2022.
Frank worked for the City of Russell most of his adult life. He started out helping build and later run the sewage plant, then took care of the Russell Golf Course, then was the director of the Water Department before becoming the Public Works Director. He was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, where he served on the Church Cemetery Board, and was an usher and greeter for many years. He enjoyed pheasant hunting, watching sport activities and later in life fishing. He was instrumental in mounting of the VFW Flag holders at all the local cemeteries.
Frank is survived by his daughter, Brenda Coppola (Tom) of Bristol, Connecticut; sons, Alan Peirano (Pam) of Derby, Kansas and Curtis Peirano (Tracy Brown) of Las Vegas, Nevada; companion, Jean Parker of Russell, Kansas; six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; wife Melva; brothers, Gerald Peirano, Melvin Peirano, Jim Peirano and Vance Peirano; and sisters, Geneva, Mary, Eleanor and Sharon.
Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, August 15, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church. A private burial of ashes will take place at a later time. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial has been established with St. John Lutheran Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.