Franklin Trinkala

Franklin Trinkala (“Trink”), of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, at the age of 85. During his final days, he was surrounded by loving and caring family members and friends. He is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley (Valarik), and his beloved daughter, Leah. He was the son of Rose Masko and the last surviving member of five siblings: Deloris, Sandra, Margie, Ronnie, and David. Trink was a hardworking man who always provided for his family. He was fortunate to retire at a young age from Duquesne Light Company, which allowed him to enjoy extensive travel both abroad and throughout the United States. He had a deep compassion for animals, especially wolves, and enjoyed listening to 1950s music and admiring Buick cars. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 10:00 a.m until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724-224-8688. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741-5000. The website is https://bestfriends.org/sanctuary. Trink visited the sanctuary in Utah and often said that if he were an animal, it would be the perfect place to retire. Another option is the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, 465 Speedwell Forge Road, Lititz, PA 17543. The website is https://wolfsanctuarypa.org . Trink visited this sanctuary and was greatly impressed by their dedicated work in caring for wolves.