File:Frank (Smiley) Zientek in his conductor's uniform.jpg

Summary

Frank "Smiley" Zientek in his conductor's uniform. He began a long career with the B&O / CSX Railroad and retired as a conductor in May 1997. Frank became a mainstay to the many passengers between Brunswick and Washington DC. He knew his passengers by their first names, and welcomed them with a smile and usually a joke or two.

(Photo courtesy of Maria Pippin)

Frank Joe "Smiley" Zientek was called home to eternal life on Monday, December 19th, 2016. He was born on April 15, 1930, in Brenham, Texas. Frank was the son of the late Joe W. and Jannie (Kaminski) Zientek. Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth "Betsy" Zientek, in June 2015.

He grew up in Brenham, TX attending St. Mary's Catholic School and graduating Brenham High School in 1949.

Frank was a veteran of the United States Navy. During the Korean War, he served on the USS Oriskany CV34 and received an honorable discharge in 1952. He often shared many stories with his family and the love for his country would always beam from his stories. After the Navy, Frank relocated to Maryland married and started a family. He began a long career with the B&O / CSX Railroad and retired as a conductor in May 1997. Frank became a mainstay to the many passengers between Brunswick and Washington DC. He knew his passengers by their first names, and welcomed them with a smile and usually a joke or two.

Frank enjoyed all sports and especially coaching baseball for Brunswick Little League and Pleasant Valley Ruritan Babe Ruth League. He enjoyed playing bingo with his senior group, as well as going to the casino and horse track in Charles Town, WV. Frank loved following his grandchildren's sports and activities. He especially enjoyed watching Spencer, Joseph, and Harper Grace these past few years.

Frank was very social and optimistic on life. During the summer months all you needed to say was "crabs" and he would be over ready to go! He made his daily trip to the Eagles and Legion where he signed the books and picked up his daily lottery tickets. He was involved in his community throughout his life and at one point, he served as President and District Governor for the Pleasant Valley Ruritan Club and assisted with forming the Petersville Ruritan in Petersville, MD. He was a faithful member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Brunswick, MD and especially enjoyed their Wednesday night senior dinners.

Frank fought the good fight with his battle against cancer over the past three years. Throughout his fight, he never gave up on life and always put other's needs ahead of his own. Many would never know he was in this fight, as he approached it with dignity and nothing but a positive attitude. He was truly an inspiration.

Frank will truly be missed by family and friends. While we lost a great man on this earth, heaven gained a soul that many will enjoy for life ever after. If you know him - "you know what I mean!"

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by: brothers, Philip and Louis Zientek, sister, Carolyn Pierucci, daughter, Janice Lewis, and grandson, Jake Shuron.

Surviving are his children: Frankie Zientek and wife Patti, Tonia Shockey and husband Bryan, Dean Zientek, Richard Powell and wife Patty, Maria Pippin and husband Greg, David Powell and wife Stephanie, and Jeff Powell and wife Beth, and son in-law Randy Lewis; 19 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Brownsville Church of the Brethren, 1911 Rohrersville Road, Knoxville, MD on Friday, January 6th, 2017 at 2:00pm, with the Reverend Linda Fernandez officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Bethany Lutheran Church 109 First Ave, Brunswick, MD 21716 or the Hospice of Frederick County 516 Trail Avenue, P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702.