Frank A. Ancona, 85, passed away on June 26, 2018 at his home in Leawood, KS. His final days were spent surrounded by his loving family, including his doting children. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 1, 2018 from 3pm-7pm with the Rosary being prayed at 6:45 p.m. at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday July 2, 2018 at 10am at Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St, Overland Park, KS. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, KS.
Ancona was perhaps best known in the Kansas City area for the advertising campaigns attached to his Honda dealership. The ads touted him as “The man with a jillion Hondas” and urged the metro to “Be kind to Frank Ancona.” His family knew him as a man who loved his life, family, and friends. He had a very large family who often gathered in his home, especially during holidays and celebrations. He will be greatly missed and remembered fondly as a loving husband, brother, cousin, father, grandfather, “uncle,” and friend who provided guidance, direction, mentorship, and most of all, compassion to anyone who sought it.
Ancona was born August 12, 1932 in Kansas City, MO to John and Louise Ancona. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was very proud of his grandsons who also chose to serve their country in the military. After his military service, Ancona returned to Kansas City and began the business he would meticulously run for over 57 years. He started out in the auto glass business and soon set his sights on selling motorcycles. Eventually, his endeavor expanded to become Frank Ancona Honda, the car dealership in Olathe that he owned until he finally retired in early 2018.
In addition to entrepreneurship, Ancona was an avid golfer, competing in many Honda Pro-Ams and charity tournaments and was a longtime member of the Leawood South Country Club. In recent years, he gave up golf and focused much of his free time on others, including spending as much time as he could with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A devout catholic, Ancona’s legacy will not only include his business ventures and golf swing, but also his generosity. He donated to several charitable organizations including the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, Special Olympics, the Make a Wish Foundation, March of Dimes, Catholic Charities, City Union Mission, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Doctors Without Borders, and many others. He was also a founding member of the Church of the Nativity. His devotion to daily prayer and reflection was a source of inspiration for his entire family and the practice brought him great comfort and peace.
Ancona was preceded in death by his lovely wife Sheila in 2014, as well as his parents John and Louise Jordan, and John Ancona. He leaves behind his siblings: Sondra Hoffman, Mary Ancona, Christina Boyle, and John Ancona; his children: Christine Middleton (Dan), Vita Boeing (Reed), Johnnie Ewing (Craig), Lori Tomkewitz (Martin Torres), Melodie Ancona, and Michael Ancona (Valerie), and Debra Cuthill; 13 grandchildren: Frank Kearney (Angie), Michael Kearney (Kelly), James Carter (Elizabeth), Brandon McDaniel (Heather), Bree Friedl (Craig), Christopher McDaniel (Jayna), Clinton Carter (Cassidy), Rickey Hydorn (Carla), Christopher Schroer, Emily Ancona, Austin Schroer, Leah Cuthill, and Catherine Ancona; and 14 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frank Ancona’s name to the following charities: the Stephanie Vest Foundation, Wreaths Across America, Autism Speaks, Special Olympics, St. Mary’s Food Kitchen, or Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Please share a memory at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com.
