Franks, Paul J.

Paul J. Franks (Frankiewicz) – A God-Centered Life Worth Emulating

"Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)

February 28, 1941 – January 15, 2025

Paul Franks lived with a deep faith and strong moral principles throughout his life. Blessed with optimism, humor, generosity, and humility, these values endeared Paul to all who knew him. A born salesperson, he loved teaching, gently evangelizing, and inspiring others. These qualities served as a blueprint for a life worth emulating.

Survived by his wife Pauline (nee Rassogianis) of 58 years, daughter Anna Maria (Garen) Toloken, granddaughter Nia Toloken, brother James Frankiewicz, brother-in-law Alex Rassogianis, sister-in-law Laura Frankiewicz, Lucio Bortolin, niece Eva (Brad) Winckler, nephew Matthew (Jill) Frankiewicz, niece Sarah Frankiewicz, and cousin of the Frankiewicz and Smaciarz families.

Predeceased by son Christopher Franks, brother William Frankiewicz, brother-in-law John Rassogianis, parentsMyron and Mae Frankiewicz, and parents-in-law Gus and Anna Rassogianis.

Graduated from Saint Phillip High School in 1959 and Saint Joseph College in 1964.

Worked thirty-six years as a pharmaceutical Sales Representative and District Trainer for Schering-Plough. He was legendary within the pharma industry and held in great esteem for his compassion and strong work ethic.

Served as a board member and Sunday school teacher at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. At Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, he continued to teach Sunday school, participated in Biblical sessions,directed the Oratorical Festival, started the Feed My Starving Children outreach, and served in the Feed the Hungry ministry.

Enjoyed golf, fishing, bowling, and bocce, including winning a regional team championship. He was a loyal White Sox and Bears fan, an avid reader, and excelled at jigsaw and daily crossword puzzles.

Remained active in retirement as a Starter at Prairie Landing Golf Club for 20 years where he initiated theirrecycling program. He volunteered at Northern Illinois Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity. Paul's desire to inspire faith and morality led to co-authoring a novel about making right choices entitled The Taming of the Loon.

A private funeral was held on Friday, January 24 at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church followed byburial at Chapel Hill Gardens West.

Donations in Paul's memory can be made to the following organizations:

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, Westchester, IL (holyapostleschurch.com)

St. George Greek Orthodox Church, DeKalb, IL (stgeorge.il.goarch.org)

Northern Illinois Food Bank, Geneva, IL (solvehungertoday.org)

The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA (nature.org)

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Franks

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

11 Entries

Craig Conlin

March 12, 2025

Sorry to hear Paul has passed away. Paul was my coworker and mentor at Schering Plough. We developed a friendship that i treasured my entire pharmaceutical care. A joyous person to be around. Will cherish his wisdom and friendship forever

Steven Poll

February 21, 2025

Pauline, Anna and family...I am so extremely sorry to hear about your loss. I still have the fondest memories spending summers with Chris and Anna and your family when you visited your Michigan cottage. I had just opened a wooden box with some personal memories and thoughts of Chris promoted
me to go online to read Chris's obituary...then I stumbled across this obituary. I was almost in tears when I saw Paul's photo. Time flies by so amazingly quick, but memories of old friends and fond times seem like yesterday! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Soula Bahramis

February 14, 2025

I was blessed to have known Paul through church. He had a wealth of knowledge and his yearning for faith was powerful. May his memory be eternal.

Straty Stoumbelis

February 13, 2025

Dear Pauline,
Our condolences to you and your family. May your beloved Paul rest in peace,
and may HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL!
With love in Christ, Maria and Straty Stoumbelis, Ladson, SC

Elaine Fotopoulos

February 11, 2025

I was very saddened to hear of Paul´s passing and have fond memories of our times together.
With prayers that our Lord will comfort you and your family as you grieve your great loss. May his memory be eternal.

Hedy Brales

February 11, 2025

So sorry for his passing. He was always smiling and friendly. May his memory be eternal!!

Jim Maragos

February 11, 2025

A good man. I remember having fun conversations with him at the Holy Apostles prayer breakfasts, and after church. He came many times to the church golf outings. Always a smile on his face. May God bless his soul. Jim

Stephen Spanos

February 11, 2025

Mr. Franks AKA Muskyman, you were more than a friend to us. You were family. I have such fond memories of our family's traveling together in the wee years, fishing, and even golfing. You will be greatly missed.

alexander rassogianis

February 9, 2025

Rest in peace, Paul. May God bless you forever.

Deb Gallaher

February 8, 2025

I met this gentle man through my husband who attended St Joseph´s College with Paul. That smile was a window into his spirited soul. Always happy, a great listener and a good sport...not one to back down from a new adventure! We are blessed to have shared a special weekend at the lake together with thought provoking conversation and many laughs as the "boys" recounted their college pranks! Rest in Peace Paul ~Deb Gallaher

John Owens

February 8, 2025

Paul and I worked maney years together at Prarrie Landing We joked that he was voted our"Union Rep". What a pleasure to be around a gentleman Always. Smile, a story, Or a joke. He will be missed. Rip brother!!

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