Unearthing The Undead 33 - FRANCIS LUNZ

Badge #: 384

K-9 name: Thunder

Francis Lunz was one of the K-9 officers who appeared in Night of the Living Dead with his Police dog Thunder.  He can be seen in the shots of the officers holding their K-9's against

the ghouls near the farmhouse.

Francis was born May 13, 1931 in Pittsburgh, son of Bernard and Hilda (Stang) Lunz.  On March 10, 1953, in Pittsburgh, he married Anna M. (Geimer) Lunz.  He was also a member of the St. Anthony's R.C. Church and the Knights of Columbus of Tionesta.  Served his country during the Korean conflict in the U.S. Army.

Francis was a police officer and worked in the Canine Unit, and then as a 1st grade Detective Burglary Division, for the City of Pittsburgh, retiring in 1989.

During that time, from 1982 to 1989, he also owned a private investigation firm, Steel City Investigations.  He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of the Police Lodge #1 of Pittsburgh.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and loved his Beagles.

Special thanks to the Heinz History Center for their help and information.

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Researched and compiled by John Vullo

Text and photos   Image Ten, Inc.

If you know of any family, friends or acquaintances that appeared as extras in the original Night of the Living Dead, please contact John Vullo at jmv3683@gmail.com

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