Frank R. Mineo, Jr.

Frank Mineo was born in Union City, Pennsylvania, on September 4, 1954 and passed away after a brief illness.

He attended Union City Elementary School, General McLane Jr/High School, and later went on to study at Edinboro University, earning a degree in Special Education. Frank first met the love of his life, Bonnie, in Junior High, and they continued together throughout high school and college as sweethearts. During his college years, one of Frank’s proudest achievements was taking classes alongside his mother, Gladys Mineo, while also working with his father and siblings in the Mineo's Department Store; experiences that reflected his deep commitment to both education and family.

Frank dedicated much of his professional life to education, serving as a Special Education teacher in rural West Virginia, reform school counselor at George Junior Republic in Grove City, PA, a preschool integration specialist within the Oswayo Valley School District, and various other teaching roles throughout West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York.

In addition to his work in education, Frank was an entrepreneur who founded and operated Another Hot Idea / Mineo Marketing Company, which he ran from 1985 until his passing. He was a proud distributor of Zippo products, made in the USA.

His varied interests led him to many pursuits, including owning a toy store, becoming an accomplished eBay power seller, and bringing joy to countless children and families as a professional Santa Claus.

Frank’s lifelong passion was photography. From candid images to professional portrait and pin up photography, he was widely regarded as a master of the craft, known for his remarkable ability to capture the essence of his subjects. He was also a credential member of the press, taking photographs of numerous sporting and music events. His curiosity extended well beyond the lens; he had a deep fascination with the unknown, including UFOs, alien life, and the mysteries of the universe, past and present.

Growing up in a family that owned a movie theater, Frank developed a love for film that remained with him throughout his life. He also held a deep appreciation for music, attending as many concerts as possible in his younger years. In later life, he became a devoted fan of Carl Wozniak and Josh Karickhoff, known as The High Life Band, whom he and his wife Bonnie followed throughout the region.

Frank was a 36 year member of the Olean Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite of Jamestown, New York and attained a high level of dedication within Freemasonry, including presenting the 2nd degree throughout the lodges of Western New York.

In his later years, Frank and his wife Bonnie devoted themselves to cultivating a beautiful yard filled with flowers and plants, often welcoming onlookers who had stopped to bask in the beauty of their wildflowers and other plants.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gladys (Tucker) Mineo and by his younger sister, Emily Rose Carlisi (Mineo).

He is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie, to whom he was married for 53 years; his son, Frank Mineo III, and daughter in law Kaelah; his sisters Diane Gebhardt and Francine Miller (Jim); his brothers Ralph (Jo), Joseph (Joyce), and Robert (Sue), as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

No services are planned at this time. The Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Edinboro is entrusted with arrangements.

Frank’s ashes will be scattered alongside those of his wife, Bonnie, at a later date. All Donations should be sent to Allegheny Health Network-Wound Center in Erie, PA. To leave condolences, please sign the GuestBook below.