Obituary of Frank S. Zawada

Frank Stephen Zawada, 99 passed on November 30, 2022, surrounded by many family members. Frank was the beloved husband of the late Olga (nee Nemits) married for 72 years; loving father of Barbara Scragg and her husband Harry; Robert Zawada and his wife Lois; Joan Rothman and her husband Thomas; Denise Mengani and her late husband Joseph; and Cheryl Witkowski and her husband Anthony. He was the cherished grandfather of 13, great-grandfather of 20 and great-great grandfather of 1. He was predeceased by 7 siblings and is survived by his sister Irene Bilcher. Frank was born and raised in Staten Island. He graduated from McKee High School. Frank was a World War II veteran serving under the United States Marine Corps and was proud to tell everyone that. He was stationed in camps in the U.S. and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign and was discharged as a corporal. He was a proud member of the Marine Corps League and American Legion Post. Frank married his true love in 1945 and went on to raise a beautiful family. He worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard as a machinist and worked on the USS Saratoga, USS Constitution, and the USS Independence, and thereafter at Proctor & Gamble for 27 years as a machinist on the Crisco Oil line. At the age of 15 he and his friend rowed around Staten Island and set a record of 9 hours and 10 minutes. Frank was an avid sports fan and liked the Mets, Giants, Jets and Rangers; he also loved to do Word Search and Jumble Puzzles. Frank was known for his fresh kielbasa that he would spend an entire day making; potato pancakes, French Fries and jelly donuts. His children called him Dr. Frank due to his extensive knowledge of vitamins and natural remedies. He was a proud member of Holy Family Church and served as an usher for many years. Frank always had a kind word and a smile on his face. His motto was if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Jude’s are greatly appreciated. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island on Monday and Tuesday, December 5 and 6, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass at Holy Family Church, 366 Watchogue Road, Staten Island on Wednesday, December 7, at 10:30 a.m. His final resting place will be at St. Gertrude Cemetery, 53 Inman Avenue, Colonia, New Jersey, at 12:30 p.m.