Frank John Welninski Jr.

Frank John Welninski Jr., aged 78, passed away on December 30, 2025. Born on July 1, 1947, Frank was a devoted, hard-working, and kind-hearted individual, known for his bravery and adventurous spirit. He was a resident of Hyannis, Massachusetts.

Frank was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, the son of the late Frank John and Irene (Stachowiak) Welninski. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the US Navy, where he served as a proud Vietnam War veteran. Frank was an airplane mechanic with the US Navy Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111), known by its “Sundowners" insignia, a prominent unit based out of NAS Miramar during the Vietnam War. He was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. Following his active duty, he was transferred to the Naval Reserves.

After his military service, Frank continued his career as an airplane mechanic. Upon moving to Cape Cod, he worked for Air New England and later joined his father-in-law's sheet metal fabrication business Mid-Cape Sheet Metal in Hyannis.

A huge Cleveland Browns fan, Frank enjoyed meeting up with fellow fans to watch games. His hobbies included gardening, fishing, and clamming. He participated in the Cape Cod Iron-Man Triathlon and loved entertaining in his backyard. Frank was passionate about cooking, particularly with the latest gadgets, and delighted children with homemade snow cones. He tinkered in carving radishes and surprised everyone with his sculpted watermelon baskets filled with fruit.

Frank is survived by his daughter Michelle Giuffre and her husband Roland, his son Michael Welninski and partner Tammy, and his prior wife Wendy Welninski. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Paige Giuffre, Kaden Giuffre, Justin Welninski, Brandon Welninski, and Charlotte Sherwood with her partner Alex, as well as his great-grandson Lucas Foster.

Visiting hours will be held at Doane, Beal & Ames, located at 160 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA, on January 8, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm followed by memory tributes. A private family burial with US Navy military honors will follow at Beechwood Cemetery, Centerville, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank's memory may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at https://t2t.org/ or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/

His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.