John “Tito” Francona, a New Brighton native who played 15 seasons in the major leagues, died late Tuesday night. He was 84 years old.

Tito’s son Terry is the current Manager of the Cleveland Indians a team that Tito played for forsix years. In 1961 while playing for the Indians Tito earned a spot in the Major League All-Star Game.  Tito retired in 1970 with a career .272 average, 125 home runs, and 656 RBIs.After his baseball career came to a close  Tito coached briefly at the Community College of Beaver County and later served as the Beaver County recreation director. Tito will be sadly missed by everyone who knew this true Beaver County Legend.