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Frank Tripucka Obituary
His number was retired until 2012 when he gladly and graciously allowed Peyton Manning to wear it.
Tripucka died Thursday at his home in Woodland Park, N.J., at age 85. His son, Kelly Tripucka, a former Notre Dame basketball standout, said his father died of congestive heart failure.
"He is proudly remembered as one of professional football's first great drop-back quarterbacks," the Broncos said in a statement. "Frank will always hold a very special place in Broncos history for what he meant to this organization and community."
A former standout at Notre Dame, Tripucka played for the Detroit Lions, Chicago Cardinals and Dallas Texans. He was brought in as a coach before the 1960 season, but it became obvious he was Denver's best option at QB.
Tripucka threw for 3,038 yards and 24 touchdowns that season. He's also credited with tossing the first touchdown pass in American Football League history, a 59-yard connection to Al Carmichael.
His number was one of three retired by the Broncos, but Tripucka graciously gave Manning permission to wear it when he joined the team two years ago. At the time, Tripucka said: "If Peyton wants the number, they should give it to him. They definitely should."
Manning threw for seven touchdowns in a season-opening win over Baltimore last week, breaking Tripucka's team record of five set against Buffalo on Oct. 28, 1962, and later tied by John Elway and Gus Frerotte. Manning also threw for 462 yards against the Ravens, moving him past Tripucka and into a third-place tie for most in a game in franchise history. Tripucka threw for 447 in that Buffalo game.
Tripucka spent four seasons with the Broncos and played in the '62 AFL All-Star Game. He was inducted into the team's Ring of Fame in 1986.
At Notre Dame, Tripucka led the Irish to a 9-0-1 record and a No. 2 ranking in 1948.
Before becoming the starter, Tripucka was a backup to Heisman Trophy winner John Lujack, who led the Irish to back-to-back national championships. As a senior, Tripucka threw for 660 yards and 11 touchdowns as the Irish won all their games except for a tie with USC.
He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles with the ninth overall selection in 1949.
Funeral arrangements were pending. He is survived by his wife, Randy, and seven children.
PAT GRAHAM, AP Sports Writer
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
84 Entries
Michelle Wenning
March 24, 2024
Was sorry to hear about Frank! My dad, Harry Wenning played with him on football in Bloomfield back in the day. He passed away August 24, 2012 from pancreatic cancer...just a year earlier than Frank. What GREAT men they were.
Gary Scilla (aka Head)
October 11, 2022
From one Bloomfield sports legend to another. RIP Frankie!
Gary Scilla (aka Head) BHS Varsity Basketball
Class of 1974
How you can show support
Hal Wissel
October 11, 2013
Dear Randy, Tracy, TJ, Kelly and Family,
Just learned of your loss. Frank was a great father. I have wonderful memories of Frank and your family when I was recruiting Tracy for Lafayette and when he attended our games.
My prayers are with you.
April Powell Melendez
September 29, 2013
Randy, my dearest friend. I am so sorry for this huge loss...I remember your husband graciously giving my late husband an autographed picture and you surprising me with it as a Christmas gift...you were and will always be that bright light for me.... God bless and keep you and your children in this time..... Big hug... April from Viva......
September 29, 2013
Frank Tripucka has left his legacy at Notre Dame, NFL, and in Bloomfield. His love of life was always present in his greatest love which was that of his family. Frank was most proud of his family. To you all may God bless you for your loss.
Ed Johnson and The Johnson Family
September 23, 2013
Growing up at Forest Hill I heard my Dad talk about Frank Tripuka. But living in Bloomfield, my recollection of Mr. tripuka was he and his children walking to church on Sunday mornings, each one clutching a coin in their hand for collection. If anyone dared to talk the long arm of Mr. tripuka would reach across the back of the pew and that child would be sitting next to Dad. In later years I taught some of the Tripuka grandchildren in Mt. Lakes and shared some stories with them. A great athlete and family man has left us for a better life where his family will all join him one day. If I had seen this timely, my Husband, Vincent Leo Jr. And I would have attended the funeral to pay our respects. Peggy Leo
September 19, 2013
Chris,
My condolences to you and your family. I am sure you have many great memories of your dad. Keep them in your hart !
Cos
Tom McLaughlin
September 17, 2013
Kelly, Mark, Tracy and TK,
Your dad was a great man and we're sorry to hear of his passing. You can see so much of him in each of you and that's a great thing! He was one of a kind - a true gentleman who was so proud of his kids. May he rest in peace.
Tom and Debbie McLaughlin
Andover, MA
Joe Romano
September 16, 2013
Kelly, Janice and the entire Tripucka family....I only learned of Frank's passing last night, while watching the Giants game. He was such a wonderful man and I will not forget the time I met him at his home, when he got that big screen TV. May he Rest In Peace.
Michael Murphy
September 16, 2013
Rveryone in Saskatchewan remembers Frank fondly.
Pat Johnson
September 16, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss, Are family's have been together for 3 generations. I know the sweet spot in my fathers mind was when he went back to the day's of football in Bloomfield and Coach Foley, I bet that's where they are now. daughter of Bubbles Leonard, Our deepest sympathy, The Johnson Family
September 15, 2013
Randy,
we are so sorry for your loss of your
beloved Frank. He was very unique on a
whole other level with my family and words
will never express our gratitude.
You have raised kind and generous children along with Frank and our prayers are with you.
Warm regards, Elaine and Fred Scordo
Palm Springs, California
John Ciccone
September 15, 2013
Sorry to hear about your dad. He was a good man. I can remember back in the early 70's I would go to the company and load the car with two kegs of beer for the weekend at the Jersey shore. He would walk me out and tell to have a great time. He had a very warm heart.
Susan Tripucka Snypes
September 15, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
scott simpson
September 15, 2013
Great obit for a great man! Go Irish!!
September 15, 2013
Tracey and Family.
Heartfelt Sympathy.I know how much he meant to you and how Proud you were of Him.I PRAY for Him and you to give you strenght in dealing with this immense loss. John Jackiewicz and family
September 15, 2013
Randy, Tracy, Kelly, and family
Your fathers kindness was so wonderful to our family. He was a very special
man and athlete. He will always be so
missed at the Bloomfield football games. His passing is a sad day for all his fans on every level.
Our prayers are with you,
Edward Berlinski jr. and Dorothy Berlinski
September 15, 2013
My dad Nick D'Aloia worked for Trip Distributors he always spoke very highly of the company and your family. My dad passed this past April and I'm sure he would have want me to pass on his condolences to you all. Peace and thank you. Serafina Rogers
Tom Tanis
September 15, 2013
To the Tripucka Family.
Your Father was a great man.
My deapest sympathies to all of
you. May he rest in peace
Tom Tanis
September 15, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Gail and Jeff Lindemann
(Daughter of Bill and Peg Jacobus)
Marie Lowther
September 15, 2013
Kelly and Janice, we are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. May God be with all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marie K. Lowther
Christopher Sinisi
September 15, 2013
My Heart & Prayers go out to the entire Tripucka Family. I know it was a short time Sir but it was a pleasure knowing you & having the pleasure to work at the front gate. RIP # 18
our condolences to TripuckaFamily@Vicky'Andy
September 15, 2013
September 15, 2013
Chris, I wish you and your family my most sincere condolences on the loss of your father. His football legacy is truly outstanding but his family is his true legacy
Henry McGoldrick
Edward Brosius
September 15, 2013
Heather,
Sharon and I offer our prayers for you and your family with your Dad's passing.
Ed Brosius
September 15, 2013
I WILL REMEMBER ALL THE GREAT CONVERSATIONS WE HAD IN KERIAN'S MENS SHOP. WE SHARED A LOT OF LAUGHS. MY FRIEND FRANK WAS 1ST. CLASS ALL THE WAY
TERRY McGRATH
NAPLES FL.
Dora Peek
September 15, 2013
May you find strength and comfort in the words of Jeremiah 29:11 Jehovah is a God peace and of hope. With deep sympathy.
Gwen
September 15, 2013
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Tripucka played a great game. During this difficult time may his memories and the God of comfort bring comfort to you.
September 15, 2013
Tracy , Karen and family...our deepest sympathies on your loss of Pop.
Silvia family (Rhode Island)
Jim McVeigh
September 14, 2013
Heather, I am sorry to hear of your dad's passing. It has been forever since we worked together at LHS in RI, but my thoughts and prayers go out to you.
September 14, 2013
To Tracy and Family,So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. May God Bless him and Your Family. Our prayers are with you.
Bill and Joan Salus
Jerry Anderson
September 14, 2013
The Tripucka's are a proud family and I'm sure the Legacy will live on for many, many years to come.
Jerry Anderson
September 14, 2013
To the Tripucka family we wish to express our heartfelt condolences on your loss of such a wonderful man. He has left you a legacy to be extremely proud of, a life very well lived.
Warm regards, Adele White & Dan White
September 14, 2013
All our love to the family, now my dad has someone to talk sports with among the angels! Love, Denise & Patrick Mc Dougald- Costigan
September 14, 2013
Im sending my prayers and condolences to the TRIPUCKA'S family. I FOLLOW KELLY THRU NOTRE DAME. WATCH MANY GAMES, VERY NICE MAN. we will all meet again someday.
September 14, 2013
To the Tripucka family,
So sorry to learn of Frank's passing. Many great memories of his career in the CFL - he was a great quarterback and a great guy.
Ron Stewart, Ottawa
PETE CULLEN
September 14, 2013
Sorry to learn of the passing of Frank Tripuka one the legendary great Notre Dame Quarterbacks ,Canadian Football League All Star,Bloomfield H.S. Athletic Standout,and A.F.L. Star with Denver.
Garry Witts
September 14, 2013
I'm sorry to receive news of Mr. Tripucka's passing. My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. For Trip Distributors summer team (1978-80), I always brought my A game when the GM, Big Frank was in attendance...which was often. Some great memories of Pershing Field and various JC gyms with the Tripucka brothers. Thank you, Randy & Frank for your fan support. I remember Mr. Tripucka as a wonderful man!
kenny gardner
September 14, 2013
Tracy...my friend and coaching partner. Sorry to hear about your Papa...a real legend! Condolences..Ken Gardner
Gene Sokoliuk
September 14, 2013
We extend our sincere sympathy from Canada where Frank Tripucka became a legend with the Saskatchewn Roughriders in the C.F.L. from 1953 to 1959. R.I.P. great one.
Marilyn Sands Michue
September 14, 2013
Sending sympathy to the entire Tripucka family. I have so many fond memories of the family from my years in Bloomfield. My Mom and Dad, Marion and Ed Sands thought the world of Frank and Randy. Hopefully your wonderful memories will sustain you all during this difficult time.
Jill
September 14, 2013
May God bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Phillipians 4:7 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.-John 14:18
glenn ryan
September 14, 2013
peace out to you and family of frank
September 14, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Frank.May we be comforted and strengthen with the words of our loving Heavenly Father in this time of grief.Jeremiah 29:11. Seta
Tracy L
September 14, 2013
May you rest in peace now that you won the greatest game. My prayers go to the whole Tripucka family. Mr.Tripucka was a role model to many,will be missed but never forgotten.
Richard Vaivada 1968 BHS Grad
September 14, 2013
Sorry to hear about your dad's passing.
v austin
September 13, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mario DeArco
September 13, 2013
My heart and prayers go out to the Tripuka family.I read of Frank's passing in the Boston Globe,and had to read my former home town paper, the Star-Ledger to obtain more info.It is my hope that the cherished memory of Frank will somehow ease the pain of His passing.
Traceyanne (Courter) Boss
September 13, 2013
My sympathies to the Tripucka as we shared many special times together, myself and my parents Jack & Eleanor Courter
beth crandell
September 13, 2013
when ann and i babysat for tripuka children frank reassured me the huge dogs were harmless / very nice man
Donna Richards Park
September 13, 2013
To Randy and Family,
Sending my hugs, tears and prayers to all of you. I have so many wonderful memories of your bigger than life Frank and the Tripucka-Richards sit down gatherings so we could look eye-to-eye! Frank was a gentle giant who loved to laugh!! May you find comfort in the care and support of your large circle of family and friends.
Frances Spinks Caver, SMC '72
September 13, 2013
Heather and family,
He was a remarkable man. I know you will miss him. He was a loyal son of Notre Dame who has marched on to his ultimate victory! May he rest in peace!
T. P.
September 13, 2013
No man,
Only God can give everlasting life.
Only God will erase our strife.
God and his son will soon resurrect those
Who have passed away.
It will soon happen one day.
Until then, for you I'll pray.
John Quackenbush
September 13, 2013
To the Tripucka family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your father Frank.
May you know he is in a better place of rest.
John & Cathy Quackenbush
Nutley, NJ
Kathy Leone,,(Walsh)
September 13, 2013
RIP, Mr, Tripucka,,,The Leone Family from Toms River, NJ,, I'm Mrs.Kathy Leone,,,(WALSH),,, my Dad is Bill Walsh,,,
September 13, 2013
Dear Randy, Tracy, Heather, Mark, Todd, Kelly, TK and Christopher and families.
The Bangor Daily News reported of Mr. Tripucka's passing; all I could think of was what a wonderful role model he was for his family. He and your Mom raised quite a good group to carry on his legacy. Sunday afternoons in the Fall of 1967-68 were all about football in your den at Broad Street. Randy darned socks as the game played, I recall! It was a warm, friendly and fun atmosphere for me to experience. Frank was a Giant who brought so much to this world. My heartfelt sorry is sent your way. Love, Ginger Fitzgerald, Bangor, Maine
September 13, 2013
Dear Randy, Tracy, Heather, Mark, Todd, Kelly, TK and Christopher and families:
The Bangor Daily News offered word of Mr. Tripucka's passing; all I could think of was what a wonderful role model he was for his family. Along with your Mom, they raised quite an outstanding group to carry on his legacy. Sunday afternoons in late Fall 1967-68 at your home on Broad Street were all about watching football...Randy darned socks while the game played! The atmosphere was warm and friendly for me! Frank was a Giant of a man and he will certainly be remembered for all the good he brought to the world. My heartfelt sorrow goes out to you. Love, Ginger Fitzgerald, Bangor, Maine
Bill & Cheryl Hamilton
September 13, 2013
Kelly, TK and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. Your Dad was a great guy and will be missed by many. Peace to you all.
Sara Falk
September 13, 2013
Kelly and Janice and all of Frank Tripucka's family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your patriarch. We wish you all peace.
Sara, David, Graham, and Charlotte Falk
September 13, 2013
Sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May our Heavenly Father give you the comfort and peace to endure your pain. Roman 5:15
John Stair
September 13, 2013
Frank Tripuka was a class act. He will be forever remembered as one of the original great Denver Bronco players, a member of their
Ring of Fame, and the man who allowed his number 18 to come out of retirement so a youngster named Peyton Manning could were it. It takes a real man with class to do such a thing. May he find rest in the arms of the Lord and may his family receive comfort in God's love.
G. Freeman
September 13, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Harry Simpson
September 13, 2013
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Cindy
September 13, 2013
We love you....in Northern Indiana
Ginny Morey
September 13, 2013
My condolences to your family. My mom, Lois Carew (Higgins) went to high school with him. She often told us little stories about him . What a wonderful man. I hope that they meet again in heaven and relive the glory days of Bloomfield High School. God Bless. Ginny Higgins Morey
Kathy Keenan
September 13, 2013
Dear Randy and family, I am writing this letter to you for my father George Keenan'48. We are sad to hear another one of the good guy's has left us. The time's spent together at ND and later in New Jersey are great memories. All my father talks about is the "good old days", at Notre Dame. May the wonderful life of a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend help you now. Frank is in Heaven with Bert and the team!
God bless!
Wayne Wolverton
September 13, 2013
RIP, Mr. Tripucka. You were truly a good man.
Gary Lanzara
September 13, 2013
Frank's many public athletic accomplishments are truly outstanding but perhaps his greatest legacy is his wonderful wife, Randy, and their tremendous family. For those of us priviledged to know the private side of Frank's life, Frank's family is truly the jewel in his crown of accomplishments.
Whitey Allin
September 13, 2013
Memories of sand lot on Spring St, Foley Field, the class of 45 and onward, you made us proud. God speed,Trip.
John Goldstein (Burke)
September 13, 2013
Sincere sympathy to the entire Tripucka Family. NJ, Essex County and the entire USA has lost an athletic legend and a true gentleman. RIP
Gary Lanzara
September 13, 2013
Frank's many public athletic accomplishments are truly outstanding, but perhaps his greatest legacy is his wonderful wife, Randy, and their tremendous family. For those of us priviledged to know the private side of Frank's life, Frank's family was truly the jewel in his crown of achievements.
Dr. Joseph T. Hogan
September 13, 2013
It was my pleasure to meet your father through Jerry Groom of the "Leahy Lads".
He is an ND Legend.
God Bless Frank Trilpucka and his family.
Joe Hogan. ND'66
Jack Joyce
September 13, 2013
I first met Frank at the New Jersey Sport Writers dinner when they were honoring his son Kelly. I presented him with a ND pen, and told him this was right from the ND Book Store, a year or so later he was one of the guests at The Notre Dame Club Of The Mowhawk Valley. Found him to be a true ND Man. My condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchild.
Frank, Jerry Groom and my wife Marie, Saint Mary's girl taken in June of 1995 at the Notre Dame Club Of The Mowhawk Valley, NY
Jack Joyce
September 13, 2013
SHORTY KOPPELMAN
September 13, 2013
we all loved to watch you play..the legend
Joe
September 13, 2013
Thank you, Frank Tripucka, for lots of thrills in those wild old days of the AFL.
September 13, 2013
Requiescat in pace.
DON TREADWELL
September 12, 2013
Long ago and far away we "hung out" in Bloomkfield,NJ were we went to High School. Frank was a good stand up guy
RIP Trip
victor checketts
September 12, 2013
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of a great quarterback in Denver Bronco history. I first heard of frank when I watched old newsreel highlights when he starred for Notre Dame. When the American football league first came on NBC I watched the broncos play the Houston oilers and watched frank battle with another legend of the league George Blanda. frank certainly deserved to have his jersey retired for his great career. I just hope that peyton manning will do that number proud. now frank is calling signals for an even greater team now. may our loving savior bless and comfort your family at this time of sorrow. to the REAL number 18 I say rest in peace and thank you for your greatness not only on the football field but in life as well. you will be missed.
George A. Moraska, Jr.
September 12, 2013
Giving his retired jersey number to Peyton Manning was the most gracious gesture, I have ever read about in the world of sports. We have all experienced a great loss. May his soul rest in peace.
Thomas Bell
September 12, 2013
I NEVER HAD THE Joy to watch your father play, but I will do some research for sure. I STILL REMEMBER WATCHING THE FIRST SUPER BOWL AS A KID. I'M SURE HE GAVE HIS FANS LOTS OF GREAT MEMORIES. HE PLAYED WHEN FOOT BALL WAS PLAYED BY PIONEER'S. God bless him and your family.
Ani
September 12, 2013
You light will forever shine!
Those shooting stars at night are your receivers! You set a standard, you walked the talk, your heart of gold is what folks really saw! May your family find comfort in the sharing!
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