Community Philanthropist Frank Padzieski Dies at 103

Frank C. Padzieski is a familiar name in Dearborn. A longtime resident and frequent contributor to various causes, the city's Padzieski Art Gallery and Oakwood Hospital's Padzieski Sanctuary both honor the philanthropist, as well as his late wife Mary.

Padzieski passed away on Jan. 3. He was 103.

Frank Padzieski founded Oakwood's original chapel in 1993, and at age 101, was the co-chair of the donation drive to raise $1.3 million to build the hospital's interfaith sanctuary.

The Sanctuary in honor of Frank C. and Mary T. Padzieski . Padzieski attended the dedication in April.

Before retiring, Padzieski owned an insurance company in Dearborn.

Dearborn City Council recognized his passing at their meeting Tuesday night.

Councilwoman Nancy Hubbard commented that the Hubbard and Padzieski families had known each other since the 1940s. She recalled that Frank Padzieski's nickname was "Mr. Republican," that he loved chocolate, and that he enjoyed playing cards at the .

"Frank was a generous individual who cared for the city of Dearborn," Council President Tafelski added. "He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Frank Padzieski was the husband of the late Mary T. Padzieski; father of Richard, Joanna Cortright (Richard), Robert (Ginny) and the late Gerald (Nancy); grandfather of Rebecca, Meg, Amy, Jennie and Sharyn; and great grandfather of Phaedra, Victoria and Nani. He was the brother of Genevieve Silka and Mary Herbst.

A date and time for a memorial mass has yet to be determined.