Frank James Perlich

Frank James Perlich February 16, 1922- August 18, 2008 Born and raised in Painesdale, Michigan, the youngest of three children born to John and Victoria Perlich, immigrants from Croatia. He attended and graduated from Jeffers High School, playing varsity tennis and basketball. Frank attended Michigan College of Mining and Technology and Northern Michigan University. A lieutenant in the Army Air Corp, he served as a B-24 pilot of the 404th Bomber Group, 11th Air Force during WW II. Upon return from the war, he married his sweetheart from nearby Allouez, Michigan, Margaret Marie Waters on June 15, 1946. Following the war, Frank began a distinguished career with the B. F. Goodrich Company. He retired from B. F. Goodrich in 1972 and founded Climatech, Inc., a Minneapolis, Minnesota based manufacturing company that same year. Frank remained the President and CEO of Climatech, Inc. until his retirement in 1994. After retirement, he enjoyed many rounds of golf with his buddies, reading a good book or listening to music of the Big Band era. Most of all, he enjoyed spoiling his four granddaughters and one grandson, and traveling with his wife of 62 years, his "Buttercup". Frank is survived by his wife, Margaret "Muggs"; sons Frank, Jr. (Sharon) of Tucson and Jon Russell (Linda "Mac") of Phoenix; grandchildren, Maggie Marie Perlich of Los Angeles, CA, Samantha Shaw Perlich of San Diego, CA, Frank James Perlich III of Tucson, Amy Elizabeth Perlich of Tucson and Molly Morgan Perlich of Phoenix. Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 6, 2008 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 5150 N. Valley View Rd. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in Frank Perlich's name to the Tucson Conquistadores Foundation, 6450 E. Broadway, Tucson, AZ 85710 or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES-AVALON CHAPEL.