Francis W. Peszka, Jr.

Francis W. Peszka, Jr., (“Frank” “Skip”) of Erdenheim PA passed away at the age of 83 on February 15, 2025 in the comfort of his home with his beloved wife, Carol (Gunther) by his side, as he wished. In addition to Carol, Frank loved sharing life with his loving children and their spouses: Laura and Scott Gibble, Christopher and Valerie Peszka, Andrew and Sharon Peszka, Stephanie and Jonathan Goodell; grandchildren, Sarah and Alex Walton, Melissa Gibble, Matthew Peszka, Michelle Gibble, Aimee Goodell; step-grandchild, Tiffany Bair; sister-in-law, Sr. Francine Gunther, SHCJ, and many other family members, friends, and colleagues who will miss him dearly.

Born in Philadelphia on September 22, 1941 to parents, Frank and Helen Park Peszka, Frank grew up in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia on Fleming Street. He attended St. Josaphat’s grade school and later, Roman Catholic High School, of which he was a very proud alumnus.

After graduating high school, Frank married his high school sweetheart, Carol, and they purchased their first home in Roxborough. Not only was their home full of love, it soon became full of children, as Laura came first, then Christopher and later Andrew, and then Stephanie. The ever-growing family then moved just outside of Philadelphia to Erdenheim, PA. It became a house full of love and laughter, with Frank working full-time, and Carol raising the children.

In his professional career, Frank dedicated over 50 years of service to achieving and maintaining the quality of products and services for companies serving the nuclear power, aerospace, and commercial industries. He began as a drafter for Perry Products and then went to school three nights a week to obtain his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at Drexel University while continuing to work full-time. He furthered his career becoming the Manager of Quality Assurance at the Yarway Corporation and then later as the Director of Quality at Laboratory Testing Inc. After retiring from full-time employment, Frank continued as a much in-demand Quality Assurance Consultant until the age of 82.

Education was very important to Frank, not only for himself, but for his children as well. His hard work, long hours, and dedication put his four children through college, and they are all now successful professionals because of his sacrifice. Frank would tell you however, the real sacrifice and hero in raising the family belonged to his wife and mother of their children, Carol, whom he adored. She managed the daily chaos of schedules, clothing, shopping, and cooking meals!

Much like his father, Frank, Sr. who was a Penn Football and Philadelphia Athletics enthusiast, Frank was an avid sports fan, who loved the Phillies, but his heart and soul belonged to the Philadelphia Eagles. Like most Iggles fans, he suffered through heartache and lean years during his life, but was able to see them win two championships, including the joy of their recent Superbowl LIX victory!

Food and wine were always at the heart of celebrations in the home, and Frank was quite the chef and wine connoisseur! His culinary creations were legendary, including his garlic crabs, clams casino, and mussels and littlenecks in white wine garlic sauce. The highlight of the family’s year was coming together to celebrate a traditional all-seafood Polish Christmas Eve dinner, which Frank and Carol collaborated on and hosted with much love. The celebration was amazing, where you never left hungry, and your wine glass was never empty.

Frank had many hobbies and interests, but his true passion, nay, his real obsession was fishing. His love of the sea began from the time when he accompanied his father as a young boy on party boats in Wildwood, to rental boats with his sons in Brigantine, to eventually owning his own boat, his pride and joy, The Lady Stelar, christened after his two daughters Stephanie and Laura. For nearly forty years the Lady Stelar’s homeport has been Chestnut Neck Boat Yard in Port Republic, NJ. Captain Frank has made countless lifelong friends at the marina including the owners and staff at Chestnut Neck, along with his fishing buddies. Frank cherished being on the water targeting weakfish, bluefish, crabs, and stripers, but most of all, he loved catching and cooking summer flounder.

Frank always enjoyed spending time with his sister-in-law, Francine, including time at his favorite vacation spot of Brigantine, NJ. Francine’s close relationship and loving care of her nieces and nephews allowed Frank and Carol the opportunity to travel extensively. During their many excursions around the world, including California, England, Scotland, and many cruises, Frank and Carol made many special life-long friends that continue to this day. 

The family continued to grow with the addition of grandchildren; Sarah, Melissa, Matt, Michelle, and Aimee, and step-grandchild, Tiffany. Frank was a proud grandfather who loved spending time with all of his grandchildren, and even showed up at the hospital after their births with rod and reel in hand! There were countless activities and adventures that the grandchildren were able to share with their Pop Pop over the years.

As a man of deep faith and a love of family, Frank was involved in many organizations, and along with Carol, taught Natural Family Planning for 21 years with other couples, many of whom became their closest friends. He was an advocate for the unborn and supported life and family. He prayed the rosary daily, and befriended many members of the religious community, priests & sisters alike, who were often welcomed in their home. 

Above all else, Frank was a man who valued love and family, and this wonderful legacy lives on in all who knew and loved him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 10:00 am at St. Genevieve Church, 1225 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA 19031 with visitation with family from 9:00 – 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3301 West Cheltenham Ave, Philadelphia 19150.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Frank’s memory to:

Roman Catholic High School 301 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 10107

Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus, 1341 Montgomery Ave, Rosemont, PA 19010

Pro-Life Union 88 Pennsylvania Ave, Oreland PA 19075