From a reader today:
Dear Sir,I was saddened to hear about the passing of former Frankford High’s coach Al Angelo. I attended the services today. I went to Frankford and had the pleasure of getting to know coach Angelo. He touched so many lives and did so much for us all. I came home and wanted to do something for him and his family. I hope you can print this in your wonderful paper for all to reflect and enjoy. Thank you for your time and consideration during this sad day.Sincerely,John J. Ruppert‘Heaven Adds An Angel To It’s Team’ For Coach Al Angelo
I remember long before I attended Frankford High School, I heard about coach Angelo. I had heard all the stories about how great a coach he was and how he gained the love and respect from everyone who met him. He was a great teacher, a great football coach but an even greater man. All you had to do was ask anyone he taught or knew him and you’d walk away with a smile on your face.
As I look back on my four years at Frankford, there wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t hear coach’s name. There wasn’t a week that went by that I didn’t hear about another student coach helped in someway. We all looked forward to football season and adding another trophy to our already crowded showcase. I know the name said Frankford but for everyone that attended it could’ve easily read Angelo High and that would’ve meant more sense to us all.
Coach Angelo was Frankford and Frankford was Coach Angelo. I’ve never seen any teacher love his job as much as he did or love his students like he has over all those wonderful years. It was a perfect fit and everyone that passed through those proud halls knew it.
I had the privilege of saying goodbye to a great man today and to thank his beautiful family for sharing him with us all. I saw the pictures and read the stories that were on display at the church and I smiled. I thanked God for the chance to share four years of my life with a legend and a truly remarkable man. I also asked God to tell coach to save a spot on the bleachers up in Heaven for us all. Coach Al we’ll miss you and may God Bless You.
John J. Ruppert
FHS 82
