Frank D. Minichelli

 

Frank D. Minichelli, 91, was born on December 31, 1934; the son of the late Emidio and Lucia (Palloto) Minichelli. He was the youngest of four sons. Frank passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026 cradled by the love of his family.

Having attended Columbus Elementary, Irving Elementary, and Roosevelt Jr. High, Frank graduated from Tech Memorial High School in 1953. He was awarded a basketball scholarship to Alliance College and later transferred to Gannon University, where he continued to excel in basketball. Upon his graduation in 1957 with his degree in Business, Frank enlisted and honorably served in the US Army.

With an extreme passion for learning Frank went on to earn a Master's Degree from Edinboro University in 1968, which set the stage for a rewarding career in Education. His career began in the Millcreek School District, where he taught Math for five years. Among his many accomplishments, Frank created and established the tennis team at McDowell High School in 1962. Frank then served as a counselor and Director of Guidance at the Union City School District. He retired in 1991 after shaping the lives of countless students within the Union City Community.

Frank was a true athlete throughout his entire life mostly playing basketball, tennis and golf. He often played tennis with his son; Mark, winning numerous regional tournaments paving their way to play in the US Open in the early 1980's. Frank also played basketball in the US Army, as well as, playing against the original Harlem Globetrotters while at Gannon University. He also later coached basketball at Gannon. Frank passed his love for these sports onto his children and grandchildren. Frank spent many hours at the Lake Shore Country Club on the tennis courts and golf course with his family and friends until the age of 90.

Having a very strong faith in the Catholic Religion, Frank was an active member of the St. George's Congregation. Frank and Connie were benefactors to St. George's Church and could be regularly seen at Services together. Frank continued to attend Church well into his 90's until he was no longer able to do so due to his declining health. 

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Constance Ann. Together they shared a life of love for 72 years. He diligently provided devoted care for Connie as she became infirmed and bedridden, ultimately passing 2 ½ years ago. Frank was also preceded in death by his daughter Jane Marie Minichelli, his parents, Emidio and Lucia, his eldest brother Egidio, his devoted brother Richard who was instrumental in raising him and who he had a special close bond throughout their lives, his mother and father in law Charles and Sophie Wisniewski, his Uncle Edward J. Czerwinski whom he also had an especially close relationship, his brother-in-law Daniel C. Wisnewski, and his nephew Jim Wisniewski. 

Frank is survived by his daughter Karen Ann and son-in-law Vincent DiMichele, his son Dr. Mark Richard Minichelli and daughter-in-law Julie Elizabeth Minichelli, his grandchildren; Julian Edward, Olivia Grace, and Maria Rose Minichelli, his brother Robert and sister-in-law Lillian Minichelli, his sister-in-law Janet Wisniewski, as well as, several nieces and nephews.

Frank's kindness and love will be forever missed by all that knew him. He was blessed to have good family and friends. Frank's parents, his mother and father-in law, as well as, several close friends helped to guide and support him. He never forgot their influence, and in turn, was a consistent source of unconditional love and support to the family he was so proud of and the friends who he was so fortunate to have in his life. Frank was proud of and adored his children, grandchildren, and his bonus children Vinnie and Julie. His eternal love will be carried by all of us.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, April 10th at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, 2122 Raspberry St. from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 11th at St. George Roman Catholic Church, 5145 Peach Street, at 11:00 a.m. followed by entombment at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. George R.C. Church (stgeorgeerie.org), St. Casimir R.C. Church (motherofsorrowerie.org), The Maria House Project (mariahouseproject.org), and/or The Union City School District Foundation (ucasd.org).