The death of Frank Niglio brings sorrow to his students, athletes, and community.
Highlights
- Frank dedicated 35 years of his life (1971-2006) to North Schuylkill High School as a physical education teacher while simultaneously coaching multiple sports.
- He was not just a coach but a remarkable athlete himself, setting records as a wide receiver at Mount Carmel Area High School and continuing his success at Yankton College.
- Beyond his professional roles, Frank was deeply embedded in his community through various positions and organizations, including the Knights of Columbus and his church.
Frank C. “Dabby” Niglio, a revered educator, coach, and pillar of the Mount Carmel community, passed away at the age of 75 on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.
Throughout his remarkable career, Niglio left an indelible mark on countless students and athletes across Pennsylvania’s coal region.
Born in Kulpmont on August 20, 1949, to Paul and Helene (Sylko) Niglio, Frank emerged as a standout athlete at Mount Carmel Area High School.
His exceptional skills as a wide receiver set numerous school records, including an impressive streak of catching passes in 21 consecutive games.
Before graduating in 1967, he had established himself as one of the most talented receivers in school history, leading the Tornadoes in 11 pass-receiving categories.
We are very saddened by the news of MCA Legend Frank “Dabby” Niglio’s passing. Our condolences go out to the Niglio family & all of his friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/WKeedrlG02
— MT. CARMEL AREA RED TORNADOES FOOTBALL (@GOBIGRED19) February 20, 2025
Niglio continued his athletic excellence at Yankton College in South Dakota, where he earned his degree in 1971.
As a three-year letterman, he led the team in receiving for two years and earned All-Conference honors.
His collegiate career culminated with an appearance in the 1970 Copper Bowl.
Following his graduation, Niglio dedicated his professional life to education and athletics at North Schuylkill High School, where he served from 1971 until his retirement in 2006.
As a physical education and health teacher, he shaped the lives of students both in the classroom and on the field.
His coaching resume spanned multiple sports, including positions as head coach for both girls and boys track and field teams, girls volleyball, and boys basketball, while also serving as an assistant football coach.
Frank Niglio’s Death Leaves a Void in the Hearts of Those He Inspired
The Mount Carmel Area community received news of Niglio’s passing with profound sadness.
Mount Carmel Area School District Superintendent Pete Cheddar expressed the community’s loss, stating,
“What he’s done for our district is tremendous. We always say bleed red and white — that would definitely describe Frank. He truly was an icon that everyone knew.”
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Former students and athletes remember Niglio as a demanding but transformative presence in their lives.
Janelle Moyer, a former student-athlete, shared a touching tribute on social media, noting that while Niglio’s training regimens were challenging,
“anyone who had the opportunity to be coached or taught by him came out being a better athlete, student, and person.”
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His impact extended beyond his teaching and coaching duties. Niglio served as president of the Ed Romance Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 1985.
He was also a life member of the Knights of Columbus in Kulpmont, Third Degree, and maintained active involvement in his faith community at the Church of the Holy Angels.
Frank is survived by his mother, Helene Niglio; daughters Tara Michaels and Cassandra Niglio; four grandchildren; and three brothers.
He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Niglio, and his wife, Denise.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 1, at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Angels in Kulpmont, with Father Andrew Stahmer officiating.
The family has established a memorial scholarship fund through the Mount Carmel Area School District to continue Frank’s legacy of supporting student-athletes.
Additional Information
- Frank played a crucial role in both Mount Carmel Area School District and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School’s football programs, demonstrating his commitment to developing young athletes across multiple institutions in the region.
- His skill on the gridiron was so remarkable that Associate Athletic Director Greg Sacavage compared his catching ability to that of NFL legend Jerry Rice, describing him as having “the greatest pair of hands that anyone had ever seen.”
- His passing had an immediate impact on the school community, leading to moments of silence being held both during the Mount Carmel Area Board of Directors meeting and before the following day’s boys’ basketball game.
