Francis Gerber "Frank" Lowenstein
January 22, 2017

LOWENSTEIN, FRANCIS GERBER "FRANK": Peacefully, on January 22, 2017, surrounded by family.  Cherished husband of Amy Comins Lowenstein. Devoted father of Peggy E. Lowenstein (Steve Berez), Michael E. Lowenstein (Andrea) and the late William M. Lowenstein, grandfather of Daniel W. Berez, Julie R. Berez, Lauren L. (Nick) Bauer, Rachel L. (Mark) Hoekstra and David B. Lowenstein, and great-grandfather of Samuel R. Bauer.  Devoted son of the late Harry H. Lowenstein and Helaine Myers Lowenstein. Born in New York on January 31, 1925 and raised in South Orange, New Jersey, Frank interrupted his studies at the University of Pennsylvania to serve in the U.S. Army in World War II, including during the Normandy invasion. After finishing his degree at Penn, he moved to Pittsburgh. There he met his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, over 40 of them spent in a successful career in the family’s wholesale distribution business, first in sales and management and then for many years as its President.  Upon retirement from an honorable and respected business career, Frank embarked on a 25-year "second career" as a model retiree.  His interest in a variety of subjects enriched our community in countless quiet ways, including teaching English to Russian immigrants, choral singing, performing in old-time radio show re-enactments and in JCC plays, working on political campaigns, and attending weekly Saturday morning services and Brotherhood activities at Rodef Shalom.  Frank loved literature and music of all kinds. He had a quick wit and a keen sense of humor; he loved a good joke or even a pretty good joke. Frank also had a lifelong love of sports, especially tennis. He played on the freshman team at Penn before enlisting in the Army and for another 60 years after the war.  He also had a special passion for the Pirates and Pitt Panthers, for whom a couple of undefeated, unscored upon championship  seasons almost would have met his hopes and expectations. Grandpa Frank was a fine man who had a great life; he leaves with his good name firmly intact and honestly earned.  He will be deeply missed, especially by the many friends to whom he was unfailingly attentive and the family he loved and who loved him.
Funeral services to be held at Rodef Shalom Temple, 4905 Fifth Avenue (at Morewood) on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 10 AM. Visitation at temple one hour prior to services (9 - 10 AM). Interment West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. Contributions may be made to the William M. Lowenstein Genealogical Research Endowment Fund at the Rauh Jewish Archives of the Heinz History Center, c/o United Jewish Federation, 234 McKee Place. Pittsburgh PA 15213 or a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

Condolences

Dear Amy and Family - My deepest sympathies on your great loss. I remember Frank so well - a great human being! Please know that I am thinking of you fondly at this sad time.