John Michael Frank

John Michael Frank of Champion, PA, died Friday, August 11, 2023, following a short illness. He

was born August 11, 1945 in Clarksburg, WV. A longtime resident of Bridgeport, WV, John

graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1963 and attended college at Marshall University

where he often hitchhiked his way home on the weekends.

John joined the Army in 1965, attaining the rank of Captain and serving a tour in Vietnam from

1968-69 as part of the 11th Armored Cavalry before returning home to Bridgeport. An

insurance agent by trade, he became a gentleman of leisure through focused effort, enjoying

golf in the summer and skiing in the winter. He was a long-time ski instructor at Wisp and Seven

Springs. A diehard WVU and Pittsburgh fan, he sunnily predicted that “this was the year” for the

Pirates every Spring and resigned himself to his fate by the all-star break.

He was the elder half of the self-proclaimed “Young Dad/Old Son” duo with his son John

(Amanda) Frank of Norman, OK. He also leaves behind a daughter, his “pumpkin,” Susan (Ben)

Reid of Camp Lejeune, NC who vows to retire that nickname immediately. Grandchildren

Emmalyn, Ainsley and Stone Frank and Maggie Reid survive along with several nephews and a

niece. Always one to lord over others his “big brother status,” he is survived by a sister, Brenda

Shultz, and a brother, Alan (Linda) Frank, both of Bridgeport as well as a cousin, Betty (Dick)

Bennett of Fairmont, WV. He also leaves behind his longtime companion, Roseann Neatrour.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, John Lemuel Frank and Nellie Beatrice Reed Frank.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pittsburgh Fisher House or Semper Fi &

America’s Fund’s Vietnam Veterans program. A private inurnment will take place at a later date

at Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)

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