Frank G. Ankner

Born in 1933 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Frank was the eldest son of George Francis and Margaret (Gill) Ankner. Frank was raised in Wilkes-Barre with his younger brother Thomas Ankner, who preceded him in repose in 2008.

At fourteen years old, Frank enlisted in the 28th Infantry Division Pennsylvania National Guard, whose insignia is the Red Keystone or “Bucket of Blood”; serving as a field artillerist.

Upon graduation from G.A.R. High School in Wilkes-Barre, Frank enlisted in the United States Navy as an Airborne Electronics Specialist from 1950-53, serving at Key West, Jacksonville, and Pensacola Navel Air Stations.

Following his military service, Frank earned an associate’s degree from Wilkes College – where he met his future wife, Mary Jane Lord, in 1954.

In 1958, Frank and Mary married and for forty-seven years built a loving home and family; raising three boys – Eric Paul, George Francis, and Charles Everett, Ankner. The decades brought grandchildren - Stephanie Lawrence, Kayla Parsons, Joshua Ankner, Nia Ankner, Matthew Ankner, Alyssa Ankner, Andrea Lashells, and Daniel Ankner; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Frank’s formal vocational path started with his Army Guard and Navy enlistments, leading to an advanced technical degree and to over fifty years of computer specialist and science service to both the US Government and private companies. Notably, Frank was a computer programmer / systems analyst who worked on the Mercury and Gemini space programs.

Sadly, Frank’s only wife Mary passed away in 2003; leaving him a widower for twenty-three years. Joyfully, he had his two sons and grandchildren nearby who kept him young and spry as long as they could.

The last ten years of Frank’s earthly life; his health deteriorated and he “allowed” a son and grandson to move in and care for him. Those indeed were the worst of times; those were the best of times.

Most notable is Frank’s Christian faith. “Family together forever in Christ Jesus” was his prayer and hope throughout his earthly life. Now he beholds the Object of his faith; along with the family and friends who share his like precious faith.

A private family funeral was held on January 23, 2026, at Lake Worth Memory Gardens Cemetery, 3041 Kirk Road, Lake Worth, FL 33461, where Frank was interred next to his wife Mary, and his granddaughter Nia.

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with these words.

Let us pray unto the Lord.

O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death and overthrown the devil, and given life to Thy world, do Thou, the same Lord, give rest to the soul of Thy departed servant Francis George, in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled away.

Pardon every transgression which he had committed, whether by word or deed or thought. For Thou art a good God and lovest mankind; because there is no man who lives yet does not sin, for Thou only art without sin, Thy righteousness is to all eternity, and Thy word is truth.

For Thou are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Thy servant who have fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever unto ages of ages.

Amen.