Francis C. McMullen

Francis Carroll McMullen, 57, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, died on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at CMC/Allied Hospice; his wife of 26 years, Carol Curtis McMullen, his brother-in-law, and his close friends were by his side.

Formerly of Ilchester, Maryland, he was born in 1967 to LaRue Shifflit McMullen and the late Leo M. McMullen. He graduated from Mt. Hebron Senior High School, Ellicott City, Maryland, where he was voted Best Musician as a member of the Viking Band and chorus, and where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout, Troop #874. After high school, he went on to Wilkes College, and earned a degree in music education, cum laude (1989).

After college, Fran began a career in music, first as a frequent performer and Master Carpenter/Production Assistant at the Music Box Dinner Playhouse in Swoyersville. From there he moved on to the F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre, where he was Technical Director for 14 years. On September 1, 2010, he was hired to take the position of Facility and Physical Plant manager of the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. His encyclopedic knowledge of older mechanical systems made him an ideal member of the restoration team for the 1930 era national historic landmark. During his tenure he was responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of the facility and supervising the facility staff for all events. He would often switch from jacket-and-tie supervision of a special event fundraiser to khakis and a pipe wrench and dive into a repair of the steam heating plant, then don his tuxedo to rush off to a performance with the Lyric Consort or the Choral Society of Northeast PA.

Fran’s history with The Choral Society of Northeast PA and its predecessor organizations extended back more than three decades. Until his illness limited his ability to perform, Fran was the backbone of the bass section, having served as section leader since 1994, and as a frequent soloist for a wide variety of performances. He was a founding member of The Lyric Consort, a professional a cappella ensemble, now in its thirtieth year.

A member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, he served in leadership capacities ranging from the vestry, where he was selected as Junior Warden, to the Search Committee. He brought his musical gifts to the church as a member of the St. Luke’s professional quartet, and as an interim Choir Director. Fran was a third degree Master Mason member of Union Lodge #291, Scranton. On October 30, 2010, he became a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, rising to the level of a thirty-second degree Mason. On June 17, 2019 he was awarded the MSA (Meritorious Service Award) by the Keystone Consistory, Valley of Scranton, for his dedication and work in supporting the activities of the Valley and his participation in stage operations for a variety of degrees and other Masonic events. Fran had a love of all things old and a disdain for modern technology. Beyond music, his interests encompassed old cars, old cameras, old fans, vintage audio equipment such as his beloved Victrolas, Edison cylinder players, and old radio equipment. His collection of classic autos included a 1941 DeSoto, a 1961 Rambler American convertible, a 1928 Ford Model A, and his most recent acquisition, a 1927 Chandler Metropolitan Sedan Big Six. On the rare occasions when he had a free Saturday, Fran enjoyed spending time with his “Dead Railroad Society” friends, exploring the abandoned rights-of-way of long- defunct railroad companies and learning their history. His encyclopedic knowledge of regional history was a constant source of amazement to his many friends, who will miss his wit, intelligence, deliberate speech, generosity, and dry sense of humor.

In addition to his wife and mother, Fran is survived by Ruth and Charles Curtis, his parents-in-law; Jeff Curtis, his brother-in-law; aunts, uncles, and cousins; and countless friends who miss him dearly. He also leaves behind his beloved feline companions, Coco, Tristan, and Winky. He was preceded in death by his father, and his brother, Michael W. McMullen.

His family expresses gratitude to the medical community who provided excellent care throughout Fran’s illness: Nina Leyson Martinez, M.D., Kevin Judy, M.D., and their staff at Jefferson Neuroscience Hospital, Philadelphia; Richard Weinberger, M.D.; Christopher Peters, M.D. We also thank the rehab teams from Allied Services, Home Health, and hospice at GCMC who provided compassionate care in his last weeks and days.

Funeral services and inurnment will be held Saturday, February 1, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Luke’s EpiscopalChurch, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, officiated and celebrated by the Rev. Earl Trygar. Friends and family may pay their respects from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

To share a memory or to express your condolences to the family, please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fran’s memory may be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple; The Lyric Consort; or The Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania.  Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton.