Frank John Zack

Frank John Zack, 93, of Brownstown, died February 25, 2022 at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh exactly 37 years to the day as his father.  Born July 31, 1928 in Johnstown, son of Frank and Anna (Mindyas) Zack, preceded in death by his parents, sister Helen (John) Kohan and sister-in-law Marie Fesko.

He is survived by the love of his life, Ruth (Krise) Zack of 68 years.  Daughters Loraine (Bob) Wagner and Kathy (Tom) Ozog; sons Jim (Diane Pape) Zack and John (Cynthia Calandra) Zack.  Also survived by his 6 golden nuggets, his grandchildren David (Jennifer Pengra) Wagner, Laura (Jared) Bruno, Jason, Lauren and Ryan Ozog and great-granddaughter Ruth Wagner, which he loving called “Baby Ruth.”  Also survived by brother-in-law David Fesko, nephew Greg (Jill Kleman) Fesko and great nephews Nathan and Lucas Fesko.  A special thank you to his caregivers Terry, Kara and Carol.

Frank graduated early from Ferndale Area High School in 1945, going on to play professional baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers Organization and then becoming a proud U.S. Marine (1950-1953) traveling all over Europe, never forgetting to send his sweetheart special gifts, like Chanel perfume.

Frank was an eternal optimist and played the cards he was dealt; he never folded.  Frank loved to tell stories and reminisce about his life.  For anyone who would listen, he talked about his old baseball days, the one year he played football, golf, his time in the Marines and how proud he was of his kids and golden nuggets. 

Frank’s true passion was his family.  There was no request or task too great, too tall or too big that he wouldn’t do; he agreed to it all without hesitation with his trademark “SURE!”  He was loved dearly by his family and everyone that knew him. 

Active in many organizations throughout his life Frank was a pillar in his community, including District Chairman – Brownstown, Brownstown Borough Council – President, Brownstown School Board – Secretary, Ferndale Area School Board, Brownstown Borough Tax Collector, Brownstown Fire Company – President and Secretary, Brownstown Recreation Commission – Secretary, St. Michael’s Boy Scouts – Committeeman, Brownstown Recreation Association – Treasurer, Brownstown Golden Jubilee – Chairman, Greater Johnstown Regional Planning Commission, Brownstown Boys Baseball – Director, Brownstown Golf Association – Director, Windber Country Club – Board of Directors, Windber Country Club – Golf Tournament Chairman, Windber Country Club – House Committee, Johnstown Baseball Umpire Association (17 years), Johnstown Turners – Financial Secretary, Johnstown Oldtimers Baseball, Pleasant Valley Golf Club – Golf Committee, Laurel Management Company Local Union – President, IBEW Local 459 – Shop Steward, Central Labor Council), he was also a member of the V.F.W. and the Brownstown Veteran Memorial, and was instrumental in the creation of the Brownstown Level ballfield and playground.

He was an irreplaceable, remarkable, influential, and larger than life man, rest in peace Frank John Zack.

Frank was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Brownstown, where a Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 3rd at 10:00 AM with Father Mark Begly, celebrant.  Entombment, Grandview Cemetery where a military ritual will be conducted by Marine Corp League, Detachment 287.  At the request of Frank, there will be no viewing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a mass in his memory. 

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