Frank J. Podroskey Jr. – Clairton
Frank J. Podroskey Jr., of Clairton, died Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, in Westmoreland Hospital. He was born April 12, 1946, in New Eagle, the son of Frank J. and Margaret Cekus Podroskey. Frank had a love for music that began in the fourth grade where he chose to play the French Horn. Only later, his instrument of choice became the trumpet. He graduated from Monongahela High School in1964 and from Duquesne University earning his bachelor’s degree in Music. For the past 12 years, he has had an 18-piece big band called Frank Podroskey and Pittsburgh Big Band Legends of which he was most proud. He played numerous venues including the Baltimore House in Pleasant Hills. He was also huge in the Mon Valley playing at various parks. At the Monongahela 250th celebration, he performed at the Monongahela High School along with Jay Chattaway. He was one of three musicians in the entire world that could play two trumpets at one time. Frank was a member of the Pittsburgh Musicians Union Local 60-471. Besides Frank’s love of music, he also had a love of amateur (ham) radio. Since Frank’s father was a ham operator, it also became a big part of his life since childhood. Frank’s call letters were W3NUS. Frank retired from Clairton High School where he taught (instrumental) music for numerous years. He is survived by his wife, Linda Fitzpatrick Podroskey, with whom he celebrated 17 years of marriage on Dec. 20, 2020; daughter, Dawn Rydle and husband Lee of Somerset; son, Stephen Olup and wife Danielle of Gibsonia; six grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Luke, Layne, Nikkole, Roman and GiGi; three great-grandchildren; sister, Joanne Romano and husband Ron, and their children Jonathan and Natalie of Monongahela; aunt, Dorothy Podroskey of Monongahela; cousin/brother, John Podroskey; and numerous cousins. Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, at FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC., 427 W. Main St., Monongahela. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Monongahela, with the Rev. Douglas Boyd as celebrant. Committal services and interment will follow in the Monongahela Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. In order to be compliant with our state guidelines concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, masks MUST be worn, social distancing maintained and only 25 people are permitted in the funeral home at a time. Please limit your visitation time to allow for other family and friends to visit. The family would like to thank you in advance for your understanding. Online condolences may be made at www.fryefuneralhome.com.
