Norman Frankowski Sr.

1922 - 2017

FRANKOWSKI

Norman John Frankowski, Sr., devoted husband of Laetitia Ann (nee Paulinski), inspirational father of Amy Ann Frankowski (William B. Entrup) and Norman John (Deborah Lynne) Frankowski, II, spectacular grandfather of Rachel Ann Entrup, Nicholas John Frankowski, Kyra Lynne Frankowski, Parker William Entrup, and Nathan Thomas Frankowski, and unforgettable uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, passed away lovingly, peacefully and faithfully surrounded by his family on August 11, 2017 at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Pauline Frankowski, brother Clifford Frankowski and sister Vivian Tillman. His life is a model for all that is good in the world - a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle. Born on July 26, 1922 and raised in Toledo, Ohio, he was a graduate of St. Hedwig's grade school and Central Catholic High School. He continued his education at DeSales College in Toledo until his country called him to service in the Navy during World War II from 1944 to 1946. After his Honorable Discharge, he enrolled and graduated from General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. He returned his Toledo and spent his career in the automotive industry, most notably at the Bendix Corporation and the Dura Corporation. He honed his skills as a public speaker in Toastmasters' International, and was Big Brother of the Year in Toledo, Ohio. Married to his sweetheart, Laetitia Ann, on October 1, 1960, he and Tish settled on West Benalex. There, he raised his family in the faith at Regina Coeli Parish. First at Regina Coeli and later at St. Catherine's, he modeled the role of a good and faithful servant as lector, Eucharistic minister, Acolyte, President of the School Board, President of the Parish Council, Bible Study member and festival volunteer. He was an exemplary member of the Third Degree Knights of Columbus and the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. After his retirement in 1989, he continued his passion for lifelong learning by completing first a Master of Liberal Studies and later a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of Toledo. He then shared his knowledge as an instructor at the Community and Technical College at the University of Toledo. He took great care of himself primarily through regular and rigorous bicycle riding and swimming. In 2000, he and Tish made the bold decision to move to Cincinnati to be with their children and five grandchildren. While never abandoning his life as a Toledoan, he invested himself in his new home as a lector at the Community of the Good Shepherd, an avid bridge player at as many as three venues per week. His greatest love remained his family and he faithfully and gratefully shared in his grandchildren's athletic, scouting, and performing arts events; as well as attending every birthday, First Communion, Confirmation, and graduation. His commitment to Jesus Christ in his Catholic Christian faith led him to Mass on the last Sunday preceding the date of his sharing in the promise of the resurrection. His family and every person who crossed his path came away energized, inspired and amazed. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 16, 2017 from 5 to 8 PM at Gilligan Funeral Home, 8225 Montgomery Road, and on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church from 11 AM until Mass of Christian Burial at Noon. Condolences may be expressed at: GilliganFuneralHomes.com.