Category: Tributes

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On the Wings of a Prayer

9/11- Patriot Day, National Day of Service and Remembrance

 

ON THE WINGS OF PRAYER

I remember back in the day when old folks used to say, if He wanted you to fly He would have given you wings.

Let me tell you this, He gave us more than just wings. He gave us the ability to pray, then after you pray – this is what He would do.

He would send you a dream, and that dream would come true. so, if you believe, and pray – your dream will come true.

So, just remember that old war song, coming home – “on a wing and a prayer.”

BY Lenny Jaynes

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Pete Specos

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

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Thank You Anne T.

Thanks to Anne T. who gave us a nice review on Amazon.com for our book “Frankford Stories”.  It was brief but much appreciated.

I do not check our book page on Amazon very often. Although we have sales every month, it does not amount to a lot and I am just happy that some folks are reading about some of the good things about Frankford.  I was really surprised to see 2 books were purchased in England.  Is that you Tim Wisniewski?

“Frankford Stories” is a collection of stories about Frankford.  We have a nice collection of story tellers who were good enough to take the time to look back and remember.

Our first book was “Frankford Heroes”  and that is about all of the guys from Frankford who gave their lives in service.

Our most recent book was “The heroes of Frankford high School which documents all those who attended Frankford High and died in service.  There were over 200 men and 1 woman.

As you know we retired and moved to Virginia in 2019.  I still miss walking the streets of Frankford and riding the El.  St. Marks, 2nd Baptist, St.  Joachim, Northeast Baptist, the Old Heads Game, Gambrel, Frankford Chargers, the memories call you back.

All the big cities have their problems right now but Philadelphia and Frankford are still home.  Until next time, Peace.

This is a link to our Frankford page on Amazon – Click Here

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Benjamin F. Tucker

Our condolences go out to the Tucker family on the loss of their father, Benjamin F. Tucker.
He was a prominent business man in the community for his entire life and was mentioned in the book “A Short History of Northeast Philadelphia” by Harry Silcox.
State Senator Tartaglione sent this message to the family:
I was very saddened to learn of the passing of your loved one, Mr. Benjamin F. Tucker. His death is a tremendous loss for the entire Frankford community.
As a committee person and poll worker for more than two decades, Mr. Tucker left behind a distinguished legacy of civic engagement and public service. His sustained effort to improve the lives of his neighbors will always be remembered fondly.
It is my distinct honor to pay tribute to Mr. Tucker and to offer my deepest condolences to you at this difficult time. Please know that I will always be available to assist your family in any way I can.
Mr. Tucker passed away in April and the family has planned a Service of Celebration at Northeast Baptist Church for this coming Friday, July 3rd. Details are listed below.
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Thank You For Your Support!

Pat Smiley and I thank you for your support of our Memorial Day fundraiser and efforts to promote his and Richard Johnson’s book, “Frankford Heroes, 2nd Edition”! If you’ve been busy or just didn’t quite get to ordering their book, you can still do so and we will still honor our pledge of 20% of book sales to be split between St. Mark’s Church and the Catholic Daughters’ Matthew 25 Food Cupboard. You will still get the ebook edition, too, for free. This effort will officially end on Friday, June 5. Here’s the link for you to use – https://frankfordgazette.com/books-for-sale/

We have mailed the books to those who ordered and have mailed the donations to St. Mark’s Church and Court St. Francis de Sales #2617 CDA. Every little bit helps!!!

For all of you who have purchased the book since it was available last fall, please check your email as Bob Smiley has emailed you a link to the ebook. Please check your email and let us know if you did not receive one and had purchased a book. We do our utmost to insure our records are accurate but… We hope you enjoy this ebook version, too. If you would like to share your comments about the book and allow us to use them as testimonials, please email gil@frankfordgazette.com

We would appreciate hearing what you think of the book!! Thank you again for your purchase and we look forward to sharing more publications with you that pique your interest. Stay well!