Frank Edward “Frankie” “Pap” Ekas Jr.

Frank Edward “Frankie” “Pap” Ekas Jr., 60, of Saxonburg, passed away July 16, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family, and his two dogs, Holly and Angel, and his cat, Rambo. Frank died after a brief, but courageous battle with melanoma.

He was born May 1, 1960, at Butler Memorial Hospital.

Frankie was a loving son, raised by two of the best, Frank Edward Ekas Sr. and the late Francis “Peaches” Jean Ekas. He was their world and they were that to him.

Frank graduated from Knoch High School. He continued his education at Butler County Community College and Penn State University. He started working long before he started his education.

Frank Ekas Sr. opened Saxon Golf Course the year Frankie was born and at the age of 5, Frank Jr. was on the course working alongside his father. This would continue for a lifetime. You could find Frankie and his father out on the course on any given day. Frank Ekas Sr. will turn 97 this Saturday.

Saxon and the people there were a love to Frankie. The course was a second home to him. He was extremely proud of the family-owned business. Saxon will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and Frankie had been a part of it from the very beginning.

For extra fun in the winter, he drove a truck for PRS Transit and plowed snow for the Butler County Airport.

Frank had many achievements in life, but the one he was most proud of was his family. In March of 1995, he married his love, Shirley Ann Olczak (Schmidt). This man was an amazing father to seven children, Tancie and Fred Plutyk of Saxonburg, Andy and Dusty Olczak of Chicora, Nathan and Mary Beth Olczak of Allison Park, and his baby girl, Krystle Ann Ekas of Saxonburg.

He was also the world's best Pap to six grandchildren, Andrew Olczak of Coraopolis, Jenna Plutyk of Charlotte, N.C., Dylan and Leah Plutyk of Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Alexander Olczak of Chicora and Rae Olczak of Allison Park.

Frank was a family man; his favorite sport, family baseball; his favorite dinner, the ones spent with his Dad and his family; his favorite breakfast, Kelly's Restaurant; his favorite vacation spot, Disney, with his big clan (his grandchildren would tell you their Pap has more photos with Disney characters than they do); and his favorite singer/songwriter, his daughter, Krystle.

He loved family celebrations and most were held at his home. He would tell you his family would celebrate if someone took a poop.

He would do just about anything to put a smile on our faces. Once his children complained the line to leave any Fourth of July fireworks show was too long. The very next year he took on this challenge and gave us our very own display of fireworks. It was held at Saxon. Over the years, this event has turned into a display of appreciation for the community. Frank welcomed all, and this year despite his illness, he continued the tradition and with the help of his nephew, Clint Cehily, whom he shared a very special bond, he was able to set off a grand display watched by many.

Frank was a member of St. Luke's Church in Saxonburg.

He was active in the community and would help anyone in need.

He belonged to the Masons, the Saxonburg Shrine and the Civil Air Patrol.

Frank took flying lessons and became a private pilot. Flying was a passion. He even had his own plane and a hangar at the golf course. He shared this passion with his grandsons. They made a yearly visit to Oshkosh Fly In. This was Pap's most favorite event of the year and it quickly became one for the boys. Frank also enjoyed boating, water skiing, snow skiing, NASCAR racing, and operating large construction equipment.

A life is a collection of stories and this man had many. He will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. If you knew Frankie “Pap,” then you have a story to tell.

Frank is survived by his father, Frank Edward Ekas Sr.; his wife, Shirley Ann Ekas; his seven children; his six grandchildren; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, all who loved and cared for Frankie deeply.

Frank was preceded in death by his mother, Francis “Peaches” Jean Ekas; his paternal grandparents, Alfred and Florence Ekas; his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Browning; and his beloved dogs, Suzie and Samantha.

EKAS — An outdoor gathering for friends and family of Frank Edward “Frankie” “Pap” Ekas Jr., who died Thursday, July 16, 2020, will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in the green space immediately behind Fox Funeral Home, 410 W. Main St., Saxonburg. All social distancing protocols will be observed.Funeral services will be private.Burial will be in Saxonburg Memorial Church Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hillman Cancer Center Melanoma Research Program, Development Office, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, 5150 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232.Please visit www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.