Memory Eternal

Our parish family mourns the passing of Frank Theodore Cholowski, a devoted member of St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church, who fell asleep in the Lord on March 25, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born in Carteret, New Jersey, Frank served our country as a Private First Class in the United States Army during the Korean War, assigned to the "Triple Nickel Unit" in artillery. During one of the heaviest attacks, Frank lost most of his friends in his unit. In that bunker, under fire, he made a vow to God: "Spare me, and I will serve You the rest of my life." God heard his prayer. Frank made it home, and he kept that promise every single Sunday for the rest of his days.

He and his beloved wife Juliana "Julie" Lesky were married on May 25, 1957, at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Carteret, sharing 57 years of marriage.

After moving to Florida, Frank was there from the very beginning of St. Michael parish. He and Juliana were among those who showed up early on Sunday mornings to clean the military union hall where the community first gathered, sweeping up after the Saturday night parties before services could begin. When around 1985 Fr. Petlak arrived and our own church was established, Frank was there every step of the way. He served as president of the church for many years and was always involved in everything the parish was doing.

Even well into his nineties, Frank could be found at the church, climbing a ladder to fix something, tidying the grounds, or tending to whatever needed doing. He never waited to be asked. If something needed work, Frank was already there, sleeves rolled up, as if the building itself were part of his family.

As fellow parishioners remember: "He was a great supporter of the church and a great person."

He is survived by his children: Mark (JD) Cholowski and wife Robin (MBA, MPA), and Dr. Ann Marie Cholowski (MD, JD).

Frank's life was one of service: to his country, to his church, and to his family.