Frank Grzasko Jr., 75, of Salem, New Hampshire, passed away Saturday evening, Nov. 23, 2019, following an extended illness.

Frank was born July 31, 1944, the son of Frank and Veronica Jane Budzinski Grzasko.

Frank graduated from Oil City High School, Class of 1963.

While attending the Assumption BVM grade school, Frank started a legacy of sorts by delivering The Derrick newspaper, starting in 1956. The route stayed in the family for 16 years, being passed down to each of his three brothers. The route was on upper Seneca Street and the Clapp Farm area, all good customers of which were talked about at family get-togethers.

Following high school Frank attended Southern Illinois University, graduating with a degree in Engineering. He later in life attended St. Anselm University earning a degree in Criminal Justice.

Frank started his professional career as a field engineer with Honeywell Computers in San Francisco, California then to the Boston, Massachusetts region. Following his boyhood dream of being a police officer, Frank joined the Salem, New Hampshire police department and advanced through the ranks to achieve the rank of Lieutenant. Following his retirement from Salem PD, Frank became a Sergeant in the Sheriff’s department of Manchester, New Hampshire Sheriff’s department. Frank had much success in his police career and achieved the Governor’s Award from New Hampshire Governor Jean Shaheen for his role in drug interdiction while on a statewide task force.

In his personal life, Frank was a man’s man and loved life best when hunting and collecting guns. Frank was a big game hunter and traveled to many locations throughout the USA and globally in pursuit of trophy game. Most years Frank would come back to the Oil City area for buck season.

Frank was married in 1966 to Sherry Roberts Scafati, who survives. At the time of his death he was with his dearest friend, Dorothy “Dotty” Faria Heyl.

Frank leaves behind two sons, Joseph (Tracy) Grzasko of Salem, New Hampshire, and Ed (Kathy) Grzasko of Auburn, New Hampshire; and grandchildren, Josh Grzasko, Sean Grzasko, Emma Grzasko, and Marlee Grzasko, all of New Hampshire. Frank also leaves behind his five siblings: sisters Mary Ann Wheeling, and Kathy (Barry) McClintock, and brothers Martin (Vicky) Grzasko, Stan (Sandy) Grzasko, of all of Pennsylvania, and Walter (Anne) of Falls Church, Virginia.

Frank also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews including Frank Grzasko, who he encouraged to follow in his footsteps and is currently with the Pennsylvania State Police.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his lifelong love, Marsha Leighninger; and his “Baby” Annabelle, a standard poodle whom he loved as a daughter.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held in Salem, New Hampshire with a later celebration and internment in Oil City at a future date.

The family asks that any contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.