Raymond Edward Frank

Raymond Edward Frank, 88, of Park Ridge, died peacefully on April 17, 2025. He was born on September 3, 1936, in Louisville, KY, to Carrie Chesser and Arthur Frank. Raymond was a devoted husband to Nancy (nee Johnson), with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. He was a loving father to Karin (Nicholas) DeLuca and Kristi (Paul) Garbarz. He was a proud grandfather to Dr. Nicholas DeLuca and Joseph DeLuca and a fond uncle to many nieces and nephews. After moving to Chicago, he proudly served in the Army. He was stationed in Panama for his military career as an armor crewman and operated a tank. During that time, he earned a good conduct medal. Following his tour, he served in the Reserves. He received an honorable discharge in 1964. Upon returning home, he met Nancy, and they were soon married. Later, he became a member of the Amvets in Chicago and enjoyed socializing with other veterans. He later joined the Morton Grove American Legion, where he practiced at their shooting range. Raymond’s next chapter in life was that of a hard-working bricklayer. His labors of perfection can be found in many popular locations including: the Sears Tower, Comiskey Park, McCormick Place, Loyola University, Alexian Brothers Hospital, Good Shepherd Hospital, Bethany Hospital, Armour Research, Leo Burnett, Continental Bank, Kmart, and the Illinois Institute of Technology. He was the foreman for many of these jobs and also partnered in a business as a private masonry contractor. He never stopped analyzing the brickwork, wherever he went. Raymond achieved more than 50 years in the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers. While living in Chicago, he enjoyed basketball and softball with the St. Philip Lutheran Church teams. After moving to Park Ridge, he became a member of the St. Andrews Lutheran Church. His hobbies included hunting and fishing, often spending time at “the farm”. He enjoyed riding the tractor and ATV as much as he enjoyed riding in his red Firebird Formula. He had a love for the outdoors and took pride in his garden, as well as maintaining his home. Raymond was always willing to lend a helping hand to his neighbors. Another favorite pastime was watching the local sports teams, especially the Cubs and Bears. He was a proud supporter of his daughters’ ice skating performances and his grandson’s hockey games. Over the years, he developed a soft spot for the family dogs. A private service to honor Raymond’s life will be held on April 21, 2025. Military honors will be rendered in the Chapel at Memory Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 260 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068.

Raymond Edward Frank

September 3, 1936 - April 17, 2025