Robert James Frank (Bob)
loving husband and father, passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020, in his home at the age of 81 following a brief illness. He passed away in the presence of his family who were caring for him.
He was born in Rankin, PA on June 16, 1939 to Robert Joseph Frank and Thelma (Hobbs) Frank. He was a 1957 graduate of Penn Township High School (Present-Day Municipality of Penn Hills).
He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on January 16, 1959 and attended Basic Training and Air Police School at Lackland AFB, Texas. Following training, he returned home where he married his wife Margaret (Kiser) Frank on May 30, 1959. He served at Hahn Air Base, Germany and Toul-Rosieres Air Base, France. In 1961 he was transferred to Glasgow AFB, Glasgow, Montana where he served until his Honorable Discharge on October 15, 1963 at the rank of Airman First Class. He continued his service in the U.S. Air Force Reserves from October 16, 1963 until January 15, 1965. He later served in the U.S. Army Reserves from October 12, 1976 until October 11, 1977 achieving the rank of Sergeant.
He returned to Penn Hills where he joined the Penn Hills Police Department in 1968 and served 31 years until his retirement in 1999. During his time with the department, he served as a Patrolman and Detective, advanced to the rank of Sergeant. He was an acting Lieutenant in his final year before retiring as Sergeant.
In his spare-time he loved deer hunting with family and friends, enjoyed golfing and day trips in the country with his wife, and road trips to visit his children and granddaughter. Following retirement, he began collecting and repairing 1950’s Era Western Toy Cap Guns which connected him to fellow enthusiasts around the country.
He selflessly devoted many of his final years to caring for his wife.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and brother Charles Lee Frank.
He is survived by his loving wife Marge, daughter Shelley (John) Pokrivka, son Robert (Carin) Frank, granddaughter Elizabeth “Beth” Pokrivka; step-grandchildren Adam (Charlea) Fullum, Thomas (Kayla) Fullum; step-great grandchildren Cameron, Reese, and Reagan Fullum; and his Sister Darlene Mozina.
Arrangements are being handled by William F. Gross Funeral Home Ltd. in Penn Hills, PA
A grave-side service for family and friends will be held at Plum Creek Cemetery, Plum, PA on Monday, December 14th at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Saint Jude Hospital or Saint Joseph’s Indian School, Chamberlain, SD.