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Franklin West Obituary

Franklin Arthur West
Franklin Arthur West, 72, of Pittsburgh died Sunday of pancreatic cancer at Forbes Hospice.
A native of Pittsburgh, Mr. West attended Shadyside Academy and Carnegie Mellon University. He later received a master's degree from Yale University.
In the 1960s, Mr. West founded Franklin West Inc., an apartment management company based in Shadyside. An urban planner and architect with a vision toward combining historic restoration with the development and growth of Shadyside and East Liberty, Mr. West is credited with renovating or building more than 80 residential apartment buildings and townhouses in the area, as well as building residential apartment complexes in the Gibsonia, Oakmont and Butler areas. Along Shady Avenue, Howe Street, and many other small streets in the East End, Mr. West's dedication to excellence and attention to detail lives on in the neighborhood and buildings that he lovingly restored and the family-owned management company he founded.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sara Borrego West; and two daughters, Caroline Sara West and Rebecca Sara West. Also surviving are two sons-in-law, Antonio Castracani and Charles Hulbert; and two grandchildren, Nicolas Castracani and Sara Hulbert.
He is also survived by his sisters, Helen West and Mary Jo Kraft; and brother, Edmond West.
Mr. West was a member of the Advisory Board of the Center for International Legal Education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and was a strong supporter of the arts, as well as many local, educational and charitable causes.
WEST - A memorial service for Franklin Arthur West, who died Sunday, March 6, 2005, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Ave., Pittsburgh. Arrangements are being handled by McCABE BROTHERS.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for International Legal Education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 3900 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15260; or to Whitney Gallery of Western Art Acquisitions Fund at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, 720 Sheridan Ave., Cody, WY 82414.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Mar. 9, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Franklin West

Not sure what to say?





John Woodson

March 11, 2005

To the West family, Sara, Caroline, & Rebecka:

Betty and I wish to send our respects to you on your loss. Elsie sends her condolences as well.

Love,

Betty , Wayne and Wendy

Whitney Finnstrom

March 10, 2005

I was sorry to read about Frank's death. I had the opportunity to get to know him when he was a member of the East Liberty Chamber of Commerce. My sympathy goes out towards his family. He was a real• renaissance man, and I will remember his stories about all of the exotic places he had travelled to.

Rental Guide Magazine

March 10, 2005

Our deepest sympathy to Caroline and Mr. West's entire family. We were very saddened to hear of his passing. We have had the pleasure of working with Mr. West and his employee's over the past 14 years. He was a wonderful and kindhearted gentleman whos knowledge and work in the apartment industry will greatly be missed.

Bonnie Leskovec

March 10, 2005

To the West Family,



Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Frank. My Father, Walt worked for Frank at the Shady Ave. office for 20 years before his untimely passing in 1983. Frank's kindness and compassion will always be remembered during those difficult times. He will always remain in the Leskovec Family's hearts and prayers.

Allen Blackwood

March 10, 2005

Dear Sara and family, My deepest sympathy on Frank's passing. I learned this sad news from my sister who e-mailed me from Naples Florida. As you know Frank and I go back a long way starting at Shady Side in 1946 and later I was an original tenant at 517 Shady Avenue in 1966,67. Lots of good memories as you know! I'm in process of contacting Tom & Alex O'Brien who will be saddened also. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cathy Royston- Laakso

March 10, 2005

Dear Sara,

My deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss. I have so many fond memories of the entire West clan. Still remember the wonderful tire swing that was at your farm. All of you will remain a special part of me to this day. My sincere love and prayers to you all.

Cathy Royston-Laakso

Excel Kitchens Bill Leute

March 9, 2005

My deepest sympathy to the West family. Mr. Franklin West was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. It was always a pleasure to do business with him and his employees. We will all miss a great friend.

Cathie Haydusko

March 9, 2005

Sara, Caroline, Becca and families:



We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. West was an inspiration to all who were privleged to know him. I have never met a kinder more compassionate person. I am honored to say I worked for Mr. West and his organization. We were all family. I will never forget him. We will pray for him daily. We hope God gives all of you the strength to accept this loss. You know he would want all of you to go on with your lives as usual. Mr. West will be greatly missed. He was the best!

Love and prayers,

Cathie & Rich Haydusko

Sam Spatter

March 9, 2005

I am sad to learn of Franklin's death. I valued his friendship and his help in providing news about the apartment industry for the Press and Trib.

Donna Hegley

March 9, 2005

My deepest condolences to Sara and the entire family of Franklin West. I was employed by his Forest Heights

property in Butler, PA. and truly enjoyed working for all associated with the Franklin West name. He will be sorrowfully missed by all whose lifes have been touched by him. My prayers are with you.

Linda Huntley

March 9, 2005

To Frank's Family: I extend my deepest sympathy to you during this time. Linda (Tad's sister)

Phyllis Ferry

March 9, 2005

Sad news of Mr. West's passing; I am a tenant in the Oakmont Landing complex and have seen the fruits of his excellence in property management. His exemplary life reflects a beacon of good works and charity. My condolences to the West family.

Ralph Colaizzi

March 9, 2005

I was surprised and saddened to learn of Frank's passing. I respected his work and considered him as a friend. Mary Sue is abroad and I am in Rehoboth Beach dog sitting and will be unable to attend services. Kristen, Merritt, Mary Sue and I express our deepest sympathy.

Jaime Seemiller

March 9, 2005

Mr. West you are a great person, and I thank you for the opportunities you have provided me. You will always be in my heart and prayers.

Linda Hrabar

March 9, 2005

I extend my deepest sympathies to the entire West family, as well as Mr. West's extended family of employees and residents whose lives he has deeply touched. Having once worked for Mr. West gave me the honor of seeing his admirable visions come to fruition. His memory will be treasured from all who have been along his journey.

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Memorial Events
for Franklin West

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

CLOSED-McCabe Brothers Funeral Homes - Shadyside

6214 Walnut St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206

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