Frank John Vilece

Born in New York, New York on February 10, 1944, and raised in Greenwich Village, Frank graduated from Xavier High School, and then Steven’s Institute of Technology in 1965. Growing up his family spent summers in Lake Carmel. In 1971 he married his late wife, Gail Mansfield Vilece and eventually moved west to start and raise a family and build his career. Frank was a brilliant man who spent his entire career as a mechanical engineer. He took great pride in his ability to create energy and power. With his wealth of knowledge he was able to tackle the most sophisticated engineering project, yet he was humble enough to teach anyone willing to learn his passions.

His greatest accomplishments and joy in life were his three children. He did everything he could to make sure his children were given all the tools they needed to be successful and enjoyed hearing about their many adventures. Frank loved staying active and had a life-long love of learning. Much of his free time was spent on the tennis court. Following tennis events on TV, in person, or playing in leagues around Houston, exhilarated Frank.

Frank is survived by his children Kathryn Vilece, Frank Vilece Jr., and Michael Vilece, as well as his sister Alice Battle and brother Vic Vilece, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Mass was held for Frank at St. John Vianney Catholic Church at 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079, on Friday, December 28, 2012, at 11:00 a.m.

Family and friends will once again gather in Flushing, New York, in the chapel of Quinn-Fogarty Funeral Home, where a visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until the time of his funeral service at 12:30 p.m.

Graveside services and interment will follow at Flushing Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Frank Vilece’s name to either the American Cancer Society or Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund.