Frank L. Jakiel

Frank L. Jakiel, age 76, of Washington, passed away with family by his side on October 9, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and kindness. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Marianne Jakiel.

Frank is lovingly remembered by his wife of 46 years, Patricia; sons, Nicholas (Kristin) and Brenton (Mallory); cherished grandchildren, Aiden and Mateo; brother, Ed (Linda); sister, Kandy (Bob); niece, Heather (Jason) and their children Emma Grace and Jimmy;brother-in-law Mark (Joan) and his children Kylie and Connor;also survived by extended family and friends.

As a young man, Frank was a member of the cross country team at North Allegheny High School and he received a scholarship for his talents to Edinboro University.  He graduated with a degree in Education. After teaching for a year, he began working at Allegheny County Children and Youth Services. He worked as a supervisor at McIntire shelter and eventually as an intake caseworker at CYS until his well earned retirement in 2011. Although his work was challenging yet necessary, even more important to Frank was his private life with his family and friends.

Frank was preceded in death by his closest friends Pete and Mike. With them and their respective families, they shared innumerable adventures and even made a little good mischief. In addition to spending time with the friends who became family, Frank always had a special fondness for Christmas. Forever insisting on finding the biggest and most magnificent tree, Frank enjoyed cutting them down on his own, and luckily we never found them filled with squirrels like the Griswald family’s. He was often seen with a camcorder in hand, lovingly capturing every second as family opened their gifts; preserving these precious moments for years to come. He grudgingly hung every outdoor light with care, and we are grateful that he never fully recreated a moment from his favorite Christmas movie.

Even though Christmas is often thought of as the peak time of the year for family togetherness, Frank cherished moments with his family year round. Whether working his magic as the family baby whisperer with his own sons, nieces and nephews, or precious grandchildren, Frank found a way to enjoy his time with every crying baby in the family. His magic touch worked not only on children, but on every machine that he came into contact with. He could just as easily build a treehouse with his sons as fix every machine and broken shelf in the house. As much as Frank enjoyed tearing apart the washing machine, he was thrilled by every chance for travel and adventure that came his way. From trips to places as far away as Alaska and Hawaii, to the Caribbean and Outer Banks, or even nearby Massanutten, Virginia, Frank loved experiencing every chance to see a new vista or horizon with his children, grandchildren, and wife.

Frank was a lover of the outdoors. Whether he was walking on a glacier, snorkeling, hiking, camping, skiing, fishing, or golfing, Frank was in his element. While these many memories will comfort all of those who knew him, it was truly his warmth, kindness, and steadfast nature that his family will miss the most.

Frank’s love language was doing – quietly giving, fixing, helping, and caring in a hundred small ways that spoke louder than his few words ever could. He carried a gentle spirit and a wise heart. His devotion to his wife, his sons, his daughters-in-law, and his grandsons was unwavering; his family was his pride and joy.

Frank treasured his roots and shared a deep bond with his brother, sister, and their respective families. Every holiday or summer weekend spent with extended family and friends felt like no time had passed between gatherings as Frank’s gentle spirit always put everyone around him at ease.

Frank also found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was famous for his love of pepperoni rolls and a cold Yuengling could almost always be found nearby. Frank never spoke ill of anyone and did not have an unkind bone in his body. He was a gentle soul who made the world softer by being in it. He will be deeply missed

Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 10 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 119 W. Chestnut St., Washington, PA 15301. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frank’s name to World Central Kitchen.