Obituary of Joseph Paul Frankenfield

Joseph P. Frankenfield, a longtime resident of Roslyn, died at Luther Park in Hatboro on January 17, 2011. He was 89 years old. He was the husband of Peggy (Cox) Frankenfield to whom he was married for 58 years. Born in Allentown, he was a veteran of WWII serving in the Army. Shortly after the Normandy invasion he was taken prisoner and held in a POW camp in Germany for nine months. Upon his return home, he entered East Stroudsburg College, graduating in 1949. He first taught at the Roslyn School in Abington Township where he met his wife. This was followed by his first administrative post as principal of the Red Lion School in Lower Moreland Township, then at the Adudubon School in what is now Methacton and finally a long tenure at the West Point School in the newly formed North Penn School District. He retired in 1983 from the Inglewood School which he served after West Point was closed. He completed a master's degree in 1956 from Temple University and continued his education throughout his career. Active in professional affairs, he was a founding member and past president of the Montgomery County Principal's Association and was honored at the Chapel of the Four Chaplains. Well known in educational circles for his helpful spirit and willingness to volunteer, he made many friends among his colleagues. Joe was also active in his church and served as Superintendent of the Sunday School, deacon, and elder at Abington Presbyterian Church where he was a member for 43 years. As a member of Lehman Methodist Church, he sang in the choir. He was also past president of the Lansdale Kiwanis Club, sang bass with the Bucks County Country Gentlemen SPEBSQSA for 20 years and bowled with the SCABS at the Thunderbird Lanes. His true love was his garden, where he spent many hours planning and planting unusual flowers and shrubs. He and his wife traveled extensively both in the US and abroad. He is survived by his wife Peggy and two sons James of Klamath Falls, OR, Andrew (Diane) of Sherborn, MA and two grandchildren, Jacob and Rachel. Joe loved life. He loved his home and his family and treasured his friends. His sunny outlook and sense of humor will be missed. His memorial service will be held at 2:30PM Friday, January 21 at Lehman Methodist Church, 300 South York Road, Hatboro where friends will be received from 1:30 until the time of the service and at a reception after the service. Burial will in private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to BeeLong Adult Day Services, 1810 County Line Rd, Suite 401, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006.