Birth date: Mar 12, 1927 Death date: Jul 28, 2024
John Edward (Jack) Frankovich, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loving family, on July 28, 2024. Born in Joliet, Illinois, on March 12, 1927, to Michael an Read Obituary
Mr. Frankovich was my number one teacher when I was at Washington School when I was in sixth grade main streaming twice as the school didn't know what to do about heading to junior high which is was next to Washington School, John Hills Jr. High. Mr. Frankovich believes in me and they did finally let me go John Hills. Then time to start the high school for me and I was the only one be able to carry on to the next year class. Mr. Frankovich took me to SDHS and introduced me to the principal, Mr. Martin and the counselor, Mr. Davis to interview me and suggested that I could qualify to carried the full load starting my freshman year. Since I was the only student at that grade level so I had to go Washington School in the last period and took the cab to Mr. Frankovich's class for tutoring what I was learning at the high school class for a year. Then in Fall of 1961, they finally started a room for the older deaf/hard of hearing students at SDHS and the rest was history when he taught there for 30 years! If it wasn't for Mr. Frankovich, I don't know where I would be as he was the best teacher all through my 4 years at SDHS and I did graduated in 1965 and able took college level classes! I wanted thank God for a such a wonderful teacher and my mentor! My sincere Condolence to the family. Ann Wiley Hammond
I was the student at Stephen Decatur High School in special Education also my husband Gary Smalley, Jr was the student too. Mr. Frankovich was a greatest teacher and good memories. We miss him..
For more than 40 years, Jack and Ceil Frankovich and our parents, Joe and Mary Lou Penne, were the closest of friends. No matter if it was a Sunday night dinner, potluck group, picnic in Fairview Park, St. Patrick's Day celebration, new grandchild, illness, volunteer opportunity or coffee and dessert (or martinis) on the back porch, the conversation always was lively and laughter reverberated.Our parents prized their friendship with the Frankoviches more than words can describe. Likewise, the Frankovich kids, Mary and John, were cherished friends of the Penne kids, Julie, Joe and Sara. In short, we were family. Jack was so talented in art and music, so engaging in conversation and so much fun; his laugh was loud, genuine and infectious. We send our deepest sympathies to Ceil, Mary, John, Lou, Janice, Katie, Andrew and Allison. How lucky we were were to grow up around Jack, and we will always remember him. -- Sarah Penne Villarreal and Julie Penne
Julie Penne lit a candle in memory of John Frankovich
I was a student at Stephen Decatur high school. I have learned a great deal from him. He was more than a teacher he was a friend. He had a lot of faith in me. I'm blessed to have known him. He was the greatest teacher and friend I've ever been with.
He was such a sweet guy and I thoroughly enjoyed taking care of him. I will remember him forever and will miss him dearly. ❤️
Jack and I first met and were members of the class of 1945 at Joliet Township High School…a good HS friend who kept up on each other’s careers…his in education and mine in banking…he will be sorely missed by family and me…Robert “Bob” Jackson…Mt Dora, Florida…
