Photo courtesy of Frye Funeral Home, Inc.
Apr 12, 1946 - Jan 16, 2021 (Age 74)
I'm so sorry to learn of Mr. Podroskey's passing. He taught me to play the clarinet at Ave Maria Catholic School in the early 90s. So much of who I am comes from being in the band. I owe him a lot
Carrie Egnosak
February 21, 2021 | Erie, PA | Student
My deepest sympathies to you Linda and your family. Frank had given lessons to my sons and had performed at various events we had. Frank had touched many lives and we will remember all the fun times. ❤
Kathleen LoPresti
January 25, 2021 | Jefferson Hills, PA | Friend
I have had the honor of playing in the same musical stage during my high school years of 2005-2009 at Clairton High School. He taught me techniques that can translate between brass instruments even though he played trumpet and I played trombone, I truly learned a lot. He will be missed.
Arseneaux Robinson
January 22, 2021 | Jackson, MS | Student
My deepest sympathy to Linda and family. Frank was such a great guy. All of his years spent teaching our children are much appreciated. I can remember when he first started at Clairton. Dina benefited so much from all that he taught her. And, she, in turn, is passing that knowledge on to her little sister. Such great memories. Prayers and love to you all.
Melanie Davis
January 21, 2021 | PA | Acquaintance
My Deepest Sympathy to you Linda and Dawn and Family, I always enjoyed Frank's dear manner and humor.
Take care of yourselves, he was truly a gentleman and will be very much missed. Love you all.
Marianne Iacoboni
January 21, 2021 | Jefferson Hils, PA
Deepest condolences on your loss. Sending love and thoughts and prayers to help you through this sad time.
Deb Balas
January 21, 2021 | Jefferson Hills, PA | Friend
I'll truly miss Frank. Always looking at the bright side, always devoted to friends, family and music, and never a disparaging word. The world would be a much better place with a few more like Frank. His picture here is the true essence of our man Frank, and I thank you Linda so much for choosing it and bringing another smile to all his dear friends. His spirit is here among us. My heart goes out to all his family.
Roger Dannenberg
January 20, 2021 | Pittsburgh, PA | Friend
To dear Linda & family : I was blessed & surprised & honored to find myself playing bass trombone in the band pics that Wayne & Nadine Macuga submitted from the Syria Shrine big band gig. With Frank around as a leader or sideman, it was Never A Dull Moment !! Always a good humor and lots of jokes and puns, and a gang of good music notes too will be my lasting memory of him. Let the music play on - David H., trombone.
DAVID HEINEMANN
January 20, 2021 | CANONSBURG, PA
Frank was an excellent player, a very intelligent musician and bandleader who encouraged all musicians to be their best. I had the joy of being Frank's drummer in the big band for over 5 years. I always remember how he nonchalantly told me to play like Buddy Rich on an arrangement from the late great drummer assuming that I had the chops to simply do as he suggested. His confidence in all of us who played for him was amazing. Frank was a good man and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Bob Breen
January 19, 2021 | Pittsburgh, PA | Friend
Frank J. Podroskey, Jr., of Clairton, died Saturday, January 16, 2021 in Westmoreland Hospital. He was born April 12, 1946 in New Eagle, the son of Frank J. and Margaret Cekus Podroskey.
Frank had a love for music that began in the fourth grade where he chose to play the French Horn. Only later, his instrument of choice became the trumpet. He graduated from Monongahela High School in1964 and from Duquesne University earning his bachelor degree in Music. For the past twelve years, he has had an eighteen piece big band called Frank Podroskey and Pittsburgh Big Band Legends of which he was most proud. He played numerous venues including the Baltimore House in Pleasant Hills. He was also huge in the Mon Valley playing at various parks. At the Monongahela 250th celebration, he performed at the Monongahela High School along with Jay Chattaway. He was one of three musicians in the entire world that could play two trumpets at one time. Frank was a member of the Pittsburgh Musicians Union Local 60-471. Besides Frank’s love of music, he also had a love of Amateur (Ham) Radio. Since Frank’s father was a ham operator, it also became a big part of his life since childhood. Frank’s call letters were W3NUS. Frank retired from Clairton High School where he taught (instrumental) music for numerous years.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Fitzpatrick Podroskey with whom he celebrated 17 years of marriage on December 20, 2020; daughter, Dawn Rydle and husband Lee of Somerset; son, Stephen Olup and wife Danielle of Gibsonia; six grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Luke, Layne, Nikkole, Roman, and GiGi; three great grandchildren; sister, Joanne Romano and husband Ron, and their children Jonathan and Natalie of Monongahela; aunt, Dorothy Podroskey of Monongahela; cousin/brother, John Podroskey; and numerous cousins.
Friends will be received Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 2-8 PM in the Frye Funeral Home Inc., 427 W Main Street, Monongahela. A mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 10:00 AM in St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Monongahela with the Rev. Douglas Boyd as celebrant. Committal services and interment will follow in the Monongahela Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
In order to be compliant with our state guidelines concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, masks MUST be worn, social distancing maintained and only 25 people are permitted in the funeral home at a time. Please limit your visitation time to allow for other family and friends to visit. The family would like to thank you in advance for your understanding. Online condolences may be made at www.fryefuneralhome.com
.
Read More
