All of Frank's colleagues at the Detroit Institute of Arts were saddened to hear of his passing.  In his honor (and in memory of his years as a US History teacher) the IPV Committee has purchased a book for the DIA Library:
America's Collection: The Art and Architecture of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the U.S. Department of State.
The book (and an In Memoriam bookplate) will be added to the library's permanent collection.  We will miss Frank and his wonderful tours.

I was heartbroken to learn of Mr. Sosnowski’s passing. He was my second-grade teacher at Clinton Valley Elementary in 1986, and even now—nearly forty years later—he remains my all-time favorite teacher.

Years ago, when I graduated college in my late thirties, I wrote to him, just to say thank you. He had already retired by then, but the school kindly forwarded my letter to his home. To my delight, he wrote back. Since then, we exchanged handwritten letters two or three times a year. In each one, his warmth, humor, and love for teaching were just as strong as they were when I was a child.

I still remember how he would play classical music during our quizzes and tests, creating such a calm, thoughtful atmosphere in the classroom. He had a way of making each student feel seen, heard, and respected. It meant the world to me then—and still does.

In his letters, he often shared how much joy he found in the choir he sang with after retirement. I was so happy to know he had found something that brought him peace and purpose beyond the classroom. I wrote to him again in late February and hadn’t heard back. Now I understand why.

It touches me deeply that he still remembered me after all these years. That was the kind of man he was—genuine, caring, and devoted to his students. I hope his family knows how deeply he impacted the lives of those he taught. He will always hold a special place in my heart.

With sincere sympathy,

Rochelle (Gilbert) Holloway

While we only learned recently about the death of Frank Sosnowski, we remember him fondly. He was a talented docent at the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts). He generously gave of his vast knowledge and enriched the experience of many visitors. His kindness and dedication will be greatly missed.
                            His friends on the IPV (Docent) Committee

Frank was a wonderful man.  We were docents together at the DIA and his love for teaching our visitors about art was apparent to me on the first day we met.  I remember watching him explain to a group of children Picasso’s blue period by asking  if they ever felt sad.  He had their attention!
Frank was gracious and kind and he will be missed by all who were lucky to know him.
God bless you, Frank. 
Deb Coomes

Im so very sorry for your loss, he was a really great teacher I think of him a lot . 
I loved his geography class !  He taught us how to spell geography as 
George eats old grey rats and paints houses yellow 
Till forever I will always remember this ! 
Thank you Mr S

I’ve known Mr Sosnowski for over 20 years. He was my second grade teacher. He made such a huge impact on my learning experience and I’ve kept in touch with him via letters since I was in 2nd grade. God bless his soul.

Mr. Sosnowski was one of the greatest teachers I have ever had the pleasure to know.  He truly cared about his students, and that they learned their lessons.   After second grade for my two boys we kept in touch.  He attended my older sons’ graduation party.   He even spoke eloquently a m younger sons’ celebration of life.   

The world is a better place for being blessed with Frank W. Sosnowski’s presence!

He will be missed!

Christine Regan

Mr. Sosnowski was my sixth grade teacher at Our Lady Queen of Peace School in the early seventies.  He was was my favorite teacher growing up, and instilled in me a love of life long learning.  For me, his classes were always interesting and something I looked forward to each school day.  To this day, I still remember fondly the art classes where we learned drawing with perspective.  He was a thoughtful, kind, and sincere man, and that was evident in the way he taught.  He influenced many people in a positive manner, and that won't be forgotten.  I feel very grateful that I had him as one of my teachers.

Mr. Sosnowski was my second grade teacher at Erie Elementary. I have such fond memories from that year. I recall eagerly trying to complete all the crossword puzzles, perfecting my cursive, immersing in the beauty of classical music, and igniting an interest in arts and history. Mr. Sosnowski’s passion for education, dedication to his students, and gentle and fun demeanor empowered me and created a foundation for the learner I became. I also had wonderful memories of watching Mr. and Mrs. Sosnowski perform in their holiday choir concerts. I am thankful to have had Mr. Sosnowski as a role model and for the light he brought to this world. I know he was cherished by many. Sending my deepest condolences to his family.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Sosnowski and are very sorry for your loss.
He was a wonderful, thoughtful, kind man and it was our privilege to know him!
May God’s grace bring you peace, and the love and support of family and friends be a source of comfort during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy, Deb & John Russell

I am so grateful for getting to spend time with Frank while serving on the Harper Woods Library Board. He was a great mentor to me when I joined. I so enjoyed his stories and it was evident from the start how much he loved his sons. He often spoke of you both with so much pride. He was a gentle man who always offered to help or send a card or bring a flower from his garden to the library. 
The photo is with the board from a celebration and ceremony to honor Franks’s love and devotion for the Harper Woods Library. May he rest in peace.

Frank was the most kind and gentle man and friend to our family, very respectful and intelligent. We will miss him dearly, but at peace knowing he is now with Rose Marie. His faith and love of the church will always be remembered.         VIRGINIA and A.j.  and Mom MARIA SIMONTE

On behalf of the Capuchin friars, I offer condolences to the family and friends of Francis upon his death. May he rest in peace, and may God's mercy console you all in your grief. We are humbled by memorial donations made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. May the Lord give you all peace.

DEAR DAD: YOU WERE THE BEST DAD FOR 53 BAD YEARS, 53 SOSO YEARS, 53 FAIR YEARS, 53 GREAT YEARS. I WILL SHARE SEVERAL MEMORIES I HAVE. REMEMBER ALL OF THE CHRISTMAS MORNINGS AND BIRTHDAYS THAT YOU HELPED ME WHEN I GOT STUCK IN BUILDING MY LEGO SETS. FOR YEARS I ALWAYS GOT A LEGO SET OR 2 FOR NOT ONLY CHRISTMAS BUT ALSO MY BIRTHDAYS. I ALSO REMEMBER NOT MARRYING SO I COULD STAY HOME AND HELP OUT YOU AND MOM REMAIN IN THE HOUSE FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. ANOTHER MEMORY IS THAT WHEN YOU AND I USE TO GO GROCERY SHOPPING ON SATURDAY NIGHTS {THIS WAS A DAD/SON WEEKLY OUTING} YOU WOULD NOT BE OUT OF THE PRODUCE SECTION WHEN THE LIST THAT MOM GAVE US WAS FILLED {YOU SEE I WOULD TAKE UP TO 4 LIST ITEMS AND RUN AHEAD AND GET THEM}. I REMEMBER THE 1ST TIME THAT I GOT PUBLISHED IN THE GROSSE POINTE NEWS AND AGAIN WHEN I GOT THE DETROIT NEWS FROM A FIRE THAT I TOOK PICTURES AT YOU TOOK AN EXTRA COPY AND SHOWED IT AROUND THE SCHOOL. YOU ALWAYS SUPPORTED ME WHEN IT CAME TO NOT ONLY FIREGROUND BUT APPARATUS PHOTOGRAPHY. IT WAS AN HONOR TO TAKE UNPAID TIME OFF WORK AND TAKE YOU AND MOM TO SEE UNCLE TOM AND AUNT TERRY IN NORTH CANTON THEN THEY WOULD TAKE YOU AND MOM TO THE THEATOR IN WOOSTER OHIO. FOR 5 AND 3/4 YEARS I WAS AN ONLY CHILD AND IN 1976 YOU AND MOM GAVE ME MY BROTHER MARK. WHO IS 1 OF BY BEST FRIENDS. I WILL LEAVE WITH 1 PARTING THOUGHT FRANCIS SOSNOWSKI {DAD} YOUR WORK HERE ON EARTH EDUCATING GENERATIONS OF KIDS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. GOD SPEED DAD SAY HELLO TO MOM FOR ME

Mr. Frank Sosnowski was a true gentle man.  He and Rose Marie supported St. Basil St. Vincent de Paul for many, many years.  Always
a joy to talk to and he loved Rose so, so very much. May they be reunited in heaven. We shall miss him.
May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace.

I knew Frank  through his many visits to the Harper Woods public library while I worked there. Enjoyed our conversations. Sincere condolences to his family. May he Rest In Peace!

Mr. Sosnowski gave me the worst grade I've ever gotten. In handwriting.  And he was right. Good thing I'm typing this condolence or no one could read it!

He was a wonderful teacher and over 15 years after I had left his classroom, he continued to support me, helping to collect books and funds to send to the primary school in The Gambia where I was helping out as a Peace Corps Volunteer.  His passion for teaching had no boundaries.

Rest in peace.

Third grade student, 1985

As my teacher at Our Lady Queen of Peace school, Mr Sosnowski was the first teacher I remember to encourage my artistic talent, to introduce us to opera, and to include the arts into sixth grade classes. He is remembered fondly by so many, I am sure.

I had him as a 6th grade teacher at Our Lady Queen of Peace I enjoyed him very much . So sorry for your loss ❤️

I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Sosnowski’s death. I was a parent helper in his classroom for two years when my kids were attending Erie Elementary. I also typed papers and projects for him. He was an amazing teacher and a great human being. He cared so much for his students and loved seeing them learn new things and blossom into beautiful and caring individuals. He sent me Christmas letters since then and I so enjoyed hearing about his and Rose Marie’s adventures. He was so sad when he lost her and I know that the two of them are having a wonderful reunion and planning many new adventures together. The world is a better place because of this amazing man. I’m so grateful to have known him.
Sharon Greer

Mr. Sosnowski was my grade school teacher some 40 years ago. He was totally dedicated to teaching. He is the only teacher I ever had who phoned parents just to chat about their student. He was always so calm and patient.

We share your sorrow at the death of this compassionate inspiring and holy man.   For over 30 years Frank acted as tutor and friend to James Cornelius a man with mental impairments.  James is so very sad at losing his Mr Sosnowski. I am sure Frank is in heaven with his beloved RoseMarie



The Cornelius Family

As my sixth grade teacher at Our Lady Queen of Peace school, Mr. Sosnowski broadened my mind and understanding of the world. He exposed us to opera as we created murals of Aida, and the compositions of Grieg as we imagined what the Hall of the Mountain King might be. He had us pretend to be famous people and present our autobiographies in costume. I still remember details of Queen Victoria's life more than 50 years later! We created stacks of index cards full of footnotes and precise bibliographies as we composed our research papers. But my favorite memory is when we would close the blinds and in the darkened classroom he would show the slides of his travels in Europe. He showed us castles on the Rhine, flying buttresses and stained glass windows of cathedrals, and famous paintings and sculptures. I only hope he realized what life-long impact his time, care and knowledge had on those of us fortunate enough to have been one of his students. Thank you for a job well done!

My thoughts and prayers go to the Sosnowski family at this time. I had Mr. Sosnowski in 3rd grade 1981/1982. At our Lady Queen of Peace. 
He is one teacher I’ve always talked about.

Mr. Sosnowski was my 6th grade teacher in 1976 at OLQP. Incredibly, there are memories from his classroom that still bubble up and make me marvel.  Notably, I find myself remembering his many lessons on art and perspective. We spent hours drawing and following his lead. Just the other day I was thinking about it! Please know that his impact endures. 

With sympathy,

Cathleen Peralta Simlar

I worked with Frank at Clinton Valley Elementary.  He taught in my old second grade classroom.  Frank was a dedicated teacher who worked tirelessly to provide the best for his class.  I remember his perfect penmanship and how he taught cursive.  In addition I remember music flowing from his room.  A funny memory for me was his careful driving skills!  I would ride with Frank when our teachers had a lunch off the school grounds.  (This was not very often.  Teaching in the elementary usually offered less than 30 minutes for lunch.)  Most importantly Frank was a kind, thoughtful person.  I send my deepest condolences to his family.

I remember Mr. Sosnowski as being one of the best teachers I ever had. I was fortunate to have him two years in a row at Our Lady Queen of Peace.

I am now seventy years old and still remember how he encouraged me to be the best I could be. I loved how he shared his travels with us. I was fortunate to see him at one of his choral performances a few years back and I was able to share with him how he had impacted my life.

One of the nicest, kindest and best teachers of my childhood.  Mr.  Sosnowski taught my fifth grade class at Our Lady Queen of Peace School in Harper Woods in the 1960's.  He was an incredibly dedicated teacher who truly cared about his students.  
RIP, sir.  You were the best.  Deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Sosnowski..

I worked with Frank while I worked at Harper Woods Public Library and he was the President of the Board. Frank was a devoted leader and always intent on ensuring that Harper Woods residents would get the best library possible. I will always remember his kindness; he is the closest person to being like Mr. Rogers that I have ever met. I send my deepest condolences to his family.

Dear Frank has been a member of the SCS Community Chorus for well over 50 years. The chorus has been blessed by Frank and Rose with two hearts that loved singing, performing, and loving each other. Even though they’ve passed on - their presence is always with myself and the chorus. He was a gift to education, his community, and countless friends. Frank was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He taught me so many things just by being a presence wherever he went and whatever he did. Thank You, Frank - your legacy of kindness and knowledge lives on. I know you and Rose are happily reunited and singing with the angels above - musically yours - Cindy Ohrt - the Director of the SCS Community Chorus🎶🩷. Rest in peace together, Frank and Rose

My deepest condolences to the Sosnowski Family. I was a student in Mr. Sosnowski's class when he taught elementary school. I am still friends with someone who also had Mr. Sosnowski, and we often reminisce on our time in that class and all that we learned. Music played a big role in our classroom, and I remember with great fondness the Gershwin records he would play for the class and the passion with which he taught. I was in his final class before he retired, and as a special surprise we sang one of his favorite songs, "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever." Whenever I hear that song, or a Gershwin number, I am instantly reminded of that special time in Mr. Sosnowski's class. He will be remembered fondly and greatly missed.

I was a student in Mr Sosnowski’s sixth grade class at Our Lady Queen of Peace.  He was a creative and brilliant teacher who set a great example for my future career as an elementary teacher. I still remember his lessons for drawing using perspective. 
I enjoyed meeting Mr. & Mrs. S around the community through the years. May they rest in peace together with the Lord.

Frank married my cousin, Rose  Marie, in June of 1967.  It was such a joy to watch them together as the years went by.  Now they will be together forever.   I miss them both.  😢💔

Mr.Sosnowski was two of my children’s teacher at Clinton Valley Elementary and Erie Elementary.I have to say he was a wonderful teacher and one that I will always remember.The care and support and understanding he had for his students was one of a kind.His laminating projects that the kids did( my oldest is 45 years old) and I’ve kept everything that was done in his class.He was one of a kind and as a parent I was very fortunate to have him be my kids teacher.I truly hope he knew how special of a teacher he was.RIP Mr.Sosnowski 🙏🙏

Frank was one of the first residents we met when we moved a friend into Assisted Living . Such a kind, gentle soul - but also full of fun and life.  We would always stop by his table to visit and he never once failed to ask how our friend was doing and to send her his regards.  He enjoyed sharing his life stories with us as well as hearing about our cross-country travels, and we always looked forward to spending a few moments with him on our visits.  His departure has left a hole in our hearts but we take comfort in knowing he is reunited with his beloved Rose for eternity.  

Go with God, my friend. We are grateful that we were fortunate enough to have known you.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Francis Sosnowski

4 septembre 1940 – 8 mars 2025

A.H. Peters Funeral Home

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