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Frank Monikowski

1950 - 2025

Frank Monikowski obituary, 1950-2025, Coraopolis, PA

BORN

1950

DIED

2025

Frank Monikowski Obituary

Frank Monikowski, "Frank the Tank," passed away November 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He fought a long hard battle with pancreatic cancer. He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 44 years, Rhonda.

Frank was born in DuBois on September 8, 1950. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah Lorraine (Shultz) Allen and his older brother, Steven Allen, who passed at birth.

Frank was a Penn State graduate in civil engineering, where he played baseball and wrestled for two years at the DuBois Campus before continuing on to PSU main campus to finish his bachelor's degree.

He moved to Pittsburgh after graduation and took a job with Grinnell Fire Protection/Simplex Grinnell, where he worked for 39 years. He was known as the "Sprinkler Guy." He won many awards during his time there. He was a member of the National Fire Protection Association and American Sprinkler Association for many years.

Frank loved and lived life to the fullest. He was a passionate Penn State and Steelers fan with season tickets to both. Dressing in the home or away colors. He loved tailgating before and after games with his good friends. He loved the ''Pens'' and PSU wrestling.

Frank was an Eagle Scout and great outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fly fish and play golf. He was a member of Grove City County Club for 26 years and loved playing golf with all his buddies. He coached Courtney in softball for many years and never missed his granddaughter Livi's softball games no matter how far. He was her biggest cheerleader.

Frank was kind, loving, loyal, fun and never met a stranger. He always said, "You can't put a price on a good time" and "You don't ask, you don't get." And he lived by that. Our "Happy Place'' was Vanderbilt Beach in Naples, Florida, where we vacationed for 42 years and after retirement spent winter months in Bonita Springs with many dear friends.

Frank is survived by his wife, Rhonda, and his children, Courtney Cochran (Tommy), Luke, Jeremy (Laura) and his two granddaughters, Livi and Lana, who lit up his life, along with many nieces and nephews who adored him. He is also survived by sisters, JoAnn McCloskey and Pat Freas.

Frank requested no visitation or service. A private celebration will be held later.

Donations can be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer.

Arrangements entrusted to R. D. Copeland, Ltd.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Courier Express from Nov. 25 to Nov. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

Penny Prontock

Yesterday

My most heartfelt sympathy to Frank's family .
We were neighbors of his sweet mother Lorraine for many years.

Dominick Kasmauskas

Yesterday

A great fire protection colleague and western PA friend! Our condolences to family and friends!

Ron Stojek Simpsonville, SC

Yesterday

Dear Monikowski Family - Frank was a good guy. We "served" many Masses together" for Fr. Tony at St Michael The Archangel parish in the 1950 & 60's. He and all of you will be remembered in my daily Rosary and Mass. My Deepest Sympathy,

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