First Posted: 7/6/2013

Family and friends surrounded Frank Mascioni on a night that he won’t forget. The event, held on July 2 at Cooper’s Cabana in Pittston, was a benefit for Mascioni in his quest to battle cancer.

The Jenkins Twp. resident was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer but you’d never know he was the one suffering from the disease as he was seen dancing with his grandchildren and sharing laughs with his former co-workers.

Along with his wife, Loretta, Mascioni took part of the “Kick the Cancer” benefit hosted by the couple’s daughters, Tanya Gelb and Melissa Ford, and their husbands, Charlie Gelb and Robert Ford.

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“Tanya came up with the plan and I thought it was a great idea,” said Melissa, who resides in Illinois with her husband and three children, Kaylee, 10; Emma, 8; and JJ, 6.

Tanya and Charlie Gelb, who reside in Harrisburg with their children Kayden, 7, and Brady, 5, decided to hold the benefit at the Cabana because of the location. “It was local and convenient for Dad,” Melissa added.

“All my friends from UGI and PA Gas & Water are here and it’s great to see them,” he said.

Sandra Alba and Cheryl Walsh attended the event to support Melissa Ford, their good friend and former K-Mart co-worker. “When we heard about the benefit, we both made sure to attend,” said Alba. “We wanted to show our support,” added Walsh.

Mascioni is currently under the care of Dr. Bruce Saidman and Dr. David Greenwald of Medical Oncology Associates Wyoming Valley PC. He also receives treatment at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.

Although Loretta Mascioni is dealing with her husband’s diagnosis as best she can, Frank is full steam ahead. He knows his time is limited with family and loved ones, but he’s not ready to throw up the white flag and he takes his challenge one day at a time.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Pat Finnerty.