Obituary: John V. Frankiewicz / Photographer who soared with his interests
Share with others:
John V. Frankiewicz, entrepreneur, aviation aficionado and veritable jack-of-all-trades, died Tuesday at the William Penn Care Center in Penn Township, Westmoreland County. He was 88.
The son of immigrants, Mr. Frankiewicz, of North Versailles, was sent to school at 4 years of age so his sisters could keep an eye on him. Even though he spoke only Polish at the time, he began learning at a rate that astounded those who knew him, even excelling in his sisters' classes.
In the early 1930's, Mr. Frankiewicz moved to Detroit to attend a specialized technical high school. In need of money for streetcar fare, he began carving and selling model airplanes.
"He really was a self-made man, extremely knowledgeable for someone who never received a formal college education," said his daughter, Judy Speedy, of Harrison City. "To me, he was one of the last Renaissance men. He was a great tinkerer; his hands and mind were always busy with something."
Upon returning to Western Pennsylvania, Mr. Frankiewicz started a photography business, Penn Photo Services. He eventually found a way to combine photography with his other chief passion, aeronautics, and began snapping aerial shots of the region for land developers and city planners from his beloved World War II-era Aeronca Champion aircraft.
In 1968, Mr. Frankiewicz lost an eye to a stray splinter on a construction site. Without depth perception, Mr. Frankiewicz would never fly again. But instead of despairing, he diversified. Instead of aerial pictures, he shot weddings.
"He just worked around it," said Ms. Speedy. She said that while her father was temporarily blind after the incident, he managed to construct an intercom system through their home's ventilation ducts. "One day his voice just came out of the wall."
Mr. Frankiewicz remained active in the Pittsburgh-area chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Obtaining a printing press, he began publishing the group's newsletter, "Cockpit Clutter." He remained its publisher for 14 years.
"He was a people-person, too; he took photos of everybody. Always upbeat, always smiling." said Ernie Lanyi, a member of the local chapter of the association, who had known Mr. Frankiewicz since 1969. "Never once felt sorry for himself about losing that eye. You know, I don't think you could find a better guy in the world."
Mr. Frankiewicz's interests expanded to include model railroading, classic cars and computers. He became coordinator for the Red Coat Mustang Rally and joined the Mon-Yough Valley Model Railroaders Club and Apple Computer Club of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Frankiewicz inspired one of his grandchildren, Jonathan Edward Speedy, to obtain a degree in aeronautics from Penn State. Family members said Mr. Frankiewicz was overjoyed when, just days before his death, he was told Mr. Speedy had accepted a job at Cessna Aircraft Co.
In addition to his daughter, Mr. Frankiewicz is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gladys; a son, James of North Versailles; and a daughter, Joanne Gonzalez of Center.
Visitation will be held at James F. Filia Funeral Home, 354 Marguerite Ave., Wilmerding, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. A Mass will be celebrated at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 405 Westinghouse Ave., Wilmerding, at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
First Published April 7, 2007 12:00 am
