Frank A. Koncilja

Frank A. Koncilja of Mentor on the Lake, passed away at the age of 99, peacefully on August 18, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Frank was a proud World War II Veteran, serving in the United States Army, in the Infantry. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement at Luzon, Philippine Islands, in 1945. He attended John Carroll University to study Economics. He was an active member of AMLA (American Mutual Life Association) where he served as a board member for many years and was Lodge #22 secretary for over 50 years. Frank was elected Man of the Year at Collinwood Slovenian Home in 1976 and was also presented the key to the City of Cleveland, by the then Mayor Dennis Kucinich for community service. Frank was always active, and his hobbies included country line dancing, bowling, roller skating (he hung up his skates at age 80) and riding his bike. Frank participated in the Lake Metroparks Senior Olympics for several years and won multiple medals. He was an avid reader who could converse on almost any topic. He especially enjoyed reading his encyclopedias and each book contains little slips of paper marking particularly interesting facts. Frank retired from the United States Postal Service after 26 years as a letter carrier. He delivered mail during the blizzard of 1978. Frank is survived by his children, Jacquelyn Fender, Jeane Weyandt, Frank (Colleen) Koncilja and Nancy (Alan) Gurish; He was grandpa extraordinaire to Lisa Jacoby, Jason (Christy) Fender, Richard (Shae) Fender, Paul (Jennifer) Weyandt, Nancy Gass, Julianne Gurish and Kaitlin Koncilja. He was “Pop” to 12 great-grandchildren, Christopher, Ryan and Brooke Jacoby, Hunter, Kennedy, Nathan, Micah and Anna Fender, Chloe and Hanna Weyandt and Charlie and Stella Gass. He was Uncle Frank to many nieces and nephews with special niece, Stephanie Dagg, who always called to check on him and never forgot holidays with Potica and Krofi. He also had a very dear family friend, Mary Yanick, who knew Frank had a sweet tooth and baked many delicious desserts for him to enjoy. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 65 years, Albina (nee: Raischel). A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio 44060. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Frank A. Koncilja

April 25, 1924 - August 18, 2023