Joseph Eugene Frankiewicz

July 17, 1929 – August 11, 2021

Joseph "Joe" Frankiewicz passed away peacefully at home in Winter Garden, FL on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 surrounded by his family.  He is survived by his sister, Alice Gomolka, daughters Marci (Jan) Higgins and Cynthia (John) Occhuizzo and grandchildren, Tyler Higgins, Rachel Higgins, Amanda Occhuizzo and Alexis Occhuizzo.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice and daughter Patrice Ratkowski.

Joseph was born in Chicago, Illinois and the eldest son of Joseph and Lillian Frankiewicz (Tofel).  He served as a corporal in the United States Army from 1951-1953 during the Korean War stationed at Camp Carson, Colorado at the 34 ^th General Hospital.

He had a successful career of over 40 years in banking in Chicago beginning as a clerk/typist and retired in 1999 as Executive Vice President.  Throughout his career, he was actively involved in charity events, galas and golf tournaments raising funds for Little City Chicago, an organization offering programs and services for children and adults of all ages with disabilities.

Joseph conducted much of his business on the golf course and through social events.  He loved to make people laugh and smile.  He was a gifted storyteller and always had a joke for every occasion.  He looked forward to hunting season in the North Woods of Wisconsin with his friends or "cronies" as he would call them and you could always expect cocktails and camaraderie at every social event.

He was a devoted husband of 60 years and always provided for his family generously.  He took pride in making sure his family vacationed together every summer through frequent motorhome trips to Maine and Florida.  He and Beatrice loved to travel and were avid cruisers. They were fortunate to be able to visit some of the most iconic destinations around the world.

After he retired in 1999, he and Beatrice moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he continued to play golf and socialize at the local Elks Club.  In 2016, he started developing some health issues and moved to Clermont, Florida to be closer to family.  In January 2020, he became legally blind yet continued to care for Beatrice, who later passed in December 2020.

A devout Catholic, his faith was so strong and you would find a rosary in his hand or pocket at all times and lived a life focused on love, appreciation and gratitude.  He was a frequent parishioner at daily morning mass at St. Faustina Catholic Church.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Making Our Way Home capital campaign to ensure the construction of the new St. Faustina Church.  Donations can be made securely online at www.cfocf.org/stfaustina .

Visitation will take place at Becker Funeral Home, 806 W. Minneola Avenue, Clermont, FL on Sunday, August 22, 2021 from 3:00pm to  5:00pm.  A mass of celebration will be held at 10:00am on Monday, August 23, 2021 at St. Faustina Catholic Church, 1714 US Hwy 27, Clermont, FL followed by internment with military honors at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102 ^nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL.