George Franks

George Franks (Fragogiannis), 90

George was born on January 28,1927 in Pireaus, Greece to Dimitrios Fragogiannis and Evangelia Spirakis. 

During World War II,  at the age of 15, his  father Dimitris passed away from pneumonia leaving George responsible for looking out for his two younger brothers. He lived through the Great Depression in Greece as well as the Civil War which ultimately shaped his personality and character to never waste time. Time, to our dad was precious.  

He attended Engineering school in Athens, served in the Greek army, and traveled the world as 2nd engineer on Cargo ships. He migrated to the United States in 1956. In 1960 when he was ready to get married he asked for a leave of absence for 6 months so he could travel back to Greece and find his perfect Greek girl. After searching for 6 months and no luck he asked for another extension of 6 months and because of his great work and ability to think outside the box, the extension was granted.

While walking in Pireaus he spotted Aristea Fitrakis and immediately told his younger brother Tony he found the one. After a brief courtship they wed in September 1961 and moved to the United States.

He loved America ,he considered it the best country in the world and he wouldn't let anyone ever speak against her. He would often say ,"you can do anything you want to here". He also had tremendous energy for work. He would say "don't be afraid of work". Always dressed to the tens. Our friends would ask where is your dad going? We would embarrassingly say nowhere, he's just painting the house or mowing the lawn.

His brother Tony later convinced George to leave his Tool & Die position and enter the restaurant business where they built a successful following in Downtown Brooklyn while investing in Real Estate and living modestly.

George was a fearless fun-loving man who worked hard to set a good example for his boys. Words always spoken by his sons, “Our father set us up to win in this life by being the example of strong discipline, love for his family , fair to his fellow man and unwavering zeal for life no matter the circumstances.”

George will be remembered for his great personality, funny jokes and positive spirit and thinking.  He was never afraid to take on new challenges. He believed through hard work and perseverance anything could be achieved.  The song that best summarizes  George’s life is

Ena amaxi me Dio Aloga www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxZIgwOjeEI

It's a song about a carriage being drawn by a white horse and a black horse. The white horse symbolizes all the good in life and the dark all the bad. It's a song about how one chooses their path in life. If a parent can leave any legacy it is to let their children know that they enjoyed their life and our dad sure did!

George leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years Aristea, three sons, Dimitrios, Teddy, Tony and seven grandchildren

In Lieu of Flowers : donations can be sent to  :
    

Louis and Anne Green Memory & Wellness Center

Mailing Address: 777 Glades Road, Bldg. AZ-79

Boca Raton, FL 33431

 Attention: Barbara Curtis

Checks are made payable to the “ FAU Foundation”.

The donation is in memory of “ George Franks”.

 Service Information