Frankford Community Blog | Local News, Events, Community Resources
We wrote these books to keep the memory of their sacrifice alive.
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“Heroes of Frankford High School” by Robert F. Smiley and Patricia M. Smiley
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Pete Specos, who served so many in our area in so many different capacities, passed away on April 16,2025.
I met Pete Specos in December 2009 while reporting for the Frankford Gazette. At the time, I knew him simply as “the zoning guy” for the Frankford Civic Association. But as I looked back through the archives and found sixteen pages filled with Pete’s name and contributions, I realized just how much more he truly was — not just to our community, but to everyone whose life he touched.
Pete was a pillar of civic life in Frankford. He didn’t just show up — he gave, tirelessly and humbly, day after day. His work with the Frankford Civic Association was only the beginning. He served with heart and conviction through the Philadelphia Police PDAC, Keep the Faith in Frankford, and countless other community efforts that were rarely seen but always felt.
What made Pete truly special was the joy he found in giving. Whether it was preparing spaghetti for Dining with Dignity at St. Mark’s, firing up the big hot dog grill for the Mayfair parade, or transforming his home into a beacon of Christmas spirit with a dazzling light display each December — Pete gave with enthusiasm, energy, and love.
His Christmas lights didn’t just brighten his block — they lit up hearts. That was Pete. If every person gave just a tenth of what Pete gave, the world would be a far better, kinder, and more compassionate place.
Pete Specos was a good man — a generous man — and Frankford will not be the same without him. But we are better for having known him, and his legacy of service and joy will live on in the streets he walked, the lives he touched, and the community he loved.
Rest in peace, Pete. You lit up more than just the sky — you lit up our lives.
A memorial Service for Pete will on Saturday, May 17,2025 at St Marks Church. 4442 Frankford Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19124.The service will start at 11:00 am followed by a pot luck luncheon in the church Hall. The parking lot entrance is on Griscom ST. The Church entrance is on Frankford Ave.
Condolences may be sent to: Helen McCollum, 4287 Orchard St, Philadelphia, PA 19124
Bob Smiley
MAMA
You’re my sunshine, you’re my rain, you’re my medication when I’m in pain.
You’re my everything as time goes by. You’re my rocket ship when I shoot for the Stars.
You’re my cheerleader whether I win or lose,
You hold my hand when shadows form, and tell me don’t worry I’m right here by your side.
You cheer me up when things go wrong. You taught me how to be strong,
You’re my rainbow after the Storm. I wouldn’t be nothing without you –
I love you Mama, and that’s from me to you.
Everyday is mother’s Day.
By Lenny Jaynes
March 29th is National Vietnam War Veterans day. Lenny is a Vietnam veteran. We thank him and them for their service and sacrifices.
ALL IN A ROW
As I stand here on solid ground not moving not making a sound.
As I look around all I can see is white crosses, rows upon rows as far as I can see.
Young men and women who fought to be free.
Now laying in the military cemetery, with these words etched in their minds.
“Give me liberty or give me death.” Because this is what I’m fighting for.
But if this is the way it has to be, victory to all of us lying in a veteran’s military cemetery.
With white crosses all in a row, and heaven looking down on us from above.
Showing us love as the wind continues to blow, whispering the words of heroes who fought so gallant and true,
And now what’s left is – white crosses all in a row. As the sun continues to shine from heaven – up above.
By Lenny Jaynes
March 11th is the opening day of the Historical Society’s 2025 program series. The subject is something never discussed in my memory, organ building in Frankford. see below for more information.
John Roberts (1829-1877), Frankford Organ Builder
presentation by Gail Rodgers McCormick and Paul Marchesano
A native of Salford, England, John Roberts arrived in Philadelphia with his parents and siblings in 1848. Apprenticed in the organ trade in England, Roberts was soon offering his services repairing and building pipe organs in his shop on Frankford Avenue and Orthodox Street. He built organs in Cambridgeport, Massachusetts, for a few years in the late 1850s, then returned to Frankford, setting up his residence and workshop at Orthodox and Penn Streets. Roberts and members of his family were among the early residents of the Orthodox Street block that was developing in the 1860s and has been home to the Historical Society of Frankford for over a century. Roberts’ organs graced many churches in the Philadelphia area, as well as in Chicago, Wilmington, and Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh organ (1874), one of only two Roberts organs known to be extant, was the first of many financed by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Although little-known now, John Roberts was at the forefront of organ building in Philadelphia during an early period of growth in the industry.
Gail Rodgers McCormick, historian, archivist, and author, will discuss Roberts’ background and his life in Frankford. McCormick’s new two-volume history Charity, Change, and Community: Frankford’s Swedenborgians, 1817-1971, features John Roberts and his family, who were longtime members of the New Jerusalem Society of Frankford.
Paul Marchesano, a professional pipe organ restorer, historian, and chairman/editor of the Organ Historical Society’s Pipe Organ database, will discuss the basics of organ construction and John Roberts’ role among other organ builders in Philadelphia and the United States. Paul recently advised the University of Pennsylvania on restoring its Curtis Sesquicentennial Exhibition Organ (Austin, 1926). He is president of Fans of the Curtis Sesquicentennial Exposition Organ, which plans to hold a centennial Symphonic Organ Symposium in 2026.
Doors open at 6:30pm for in person attendance, live streaming begins at 7:30pm, click the Facebook link to the right. Refreshments served after the program.
