He was an honorable man. Born Aug. 7, 1926, to Clarence and Nola Longcore, Frank was raised in Paw Paw, MI, with his siblings, Clover (Rogers), Clarence, Jr., Richard, Melva (DeVries), Linda (Boley) and Bruce. At the tender age of 17, he and a couple buddies decided to join the war effort. He initially wanted to join the Navy but was refused due to his flat feet, so he went next door to the Army where he was promptly accepted and soon went to Texas for basic training. He served overseas until the completion of World War II, and then returned to Paw Paw.
He had various jobs before settling into a position at St. Julian Winery, Paw Paw, where his father was also employed. He respected and revered his father and listened to his advice on everything from work lessons to life lessons. Frank was rather shy but loved to ride his motorcycle on Paw Paw’s main drag. That was how he met the woman who was to become his wife and “the best thing that ever happened to me.” He and Cornelia (Connie) Lozanski were married Dec. 4, 1954, and he chose to convert to Catholicism. They were lifelong members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Paw Paw. Children soon followed and they were blessed with four: Connie, Gregory (Kristine), Pamela, and Ruth (Larry).
Frank was a true provider with an exceptional work ethic. He worked because he had to, because he believed in making the lives of his family better, because the lessons from his father were lessons he wanted to pass on to his children through not only words but actions. He taught his children that the strength of a man came from his ability to show emotions, that all people were to be treated with respect, that gender roles were what was accepted not expected. He was a hands-on father who was not traditionally schooled but knowledgeable, nonetheless. Then Frank was given yet another blessing. Pamela gave birth to Shakira Nicole in 1984, and Frank became “Papa”. He was winding down his career at St. Julian and had much more time to spend with a granddaughter. She was the perfect outlet for his love and attention, and he would and did do anything for her including teaching her the same values of honesty, honor and service to others that he had imparted on his children. He had time to spoil her although she never acted spoiled because he gave through his heart with no strings attached. And then Shakira gifted the family with, yet another blessing named Aria. Papa was again beside himself with happiness. Another beautiful addition for the patriarch to mentor in his subtle way. He was never overt. He let his actions speak. He was stern and fair in punishment if warranted. He was loving and soft without apology. He was a man of conviction. He was a husband, father, brother, grandfather. More than all these though, he was an honorable man.
Frank passed away quietly Oct. 20, 2024 with his family by his side. At his request, he will be cremated and his ashes along with those of his wife will be interred in St. Mary’s Cemetery. A memorial mass will be held at a later date.
Thursday, November 21, 2024
