Mr. Frank Stephen Strelec, Jr, 96, of Peachtree City, GA passed away on June 28, 2023. Born on May 5, 1927 in Tarentum, PA to Frank and Agnes Strelec. Frank, also known as Fritz, was a retired Elementary School Principal serving the Highlands School District in the Tarentum and Brackenridge Boroughs.
Frank received his Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania at the age of 40 and ultimately continued his education by earning his Master’s Degree. Frank pursued his Education Degrees a little later than most as family obligations took priority in his life and he worked especially hard to earn those degrees – an extremely proud accomplishment.
Frank found and married the love of his life in Loretta Ida Davis (Strelec) in 1978. They spent 36 marvelous years together. Upon retirement, Frank & Loretta moved to Sun City West, AZ, where they spent over 20 years exploring the West. They fostered many friendships enjoying golf, fishing, gardening, camping and exploring. Frank was the President of the local Slovak Club as he was proud of his heritage. During quite a few summers, they would find themselves in Idaho or California, becoming seasonal “Sun Birds” where they had many wonderful experiences.
Upon Loretta’s passing in 2014, Frank moved to Peachtree City, GA to be closer to his nephew Joe Strelec, wife Cindy and daughter Anna. Frank was an avid golfer where he enjoyed the game up until the age of 92 and routinely scored better than his age. Frank was known for his gardening skills and was recognized by the Arbor Terrace Community in Peachtree City, as the community garden was dedicated in his name.
Frank was always quick with a joke – remembering dozens of them that he could recall easily. He always walked with a bounce in his step, a smile on his face and warmth in his heart. He provided care for many people over his 96 years of life – along with enjoying several dogs – most recently his 3-legged dog Ida that brought him great joy.
Frank was pre-deceased by his parents, wife Loretta, sister Ann, and brothers, Joe, Tom and John. He leaves behind sister Mary Deriso of Martinez, GA and sister Eleanore Dunmire of Cheswick, PA. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. All that he left behind would describe Frank as unassuming, witty, intelligent and caring. Those that knew Frank loved him and will miss him greatly. He was a special man and a blessing to many in his life. As Frank would proclaim on many occasions, “Na zdravie” which is a Slovak phrase that translates to “To your health” and for those that couldn’t pronounce it, he would always accept “Nice Driveway”, with a laugh and a smile on his face. And that’s how he’ll be remembered.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carmichaelhemperleypeachtree.com for the Strelec family.
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