Francis Zuhlke

Francis "Frank" Daniel Zuhlke, age 69 of Youngstown, died Wednesday October 28, 2015 in the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Buffalo, after a brief illness. Frank was born October 22, 1946 in Lackawanna, NY, the son of the late Frank and Florence (Michalski) Zuhlke. He was a graduate of Lake Shore High School and in June of 1965 he entered the U.S. Navy. Frank was a member of the courageous Navy Seawolves that were commissioned and decommissioned in Vietnam, not known by many except by those that served and by the sailors and ground forces who owe their lives to their courage and devotion. He was a door gunner of a Helicopter Gunship and belonged to a squadron that flew 120,000 missions into the Mekong Delta, which in a year would average 600 missions per pilot. The Seawolves of HA(L) 3 (Helicopter Attack (Light) Three) is the only such designated Navy Squadron to ever fly in combat and is the most decorated Navy Squadron in history. Frank was the recipient of National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, the Air Medal Numerical 15, a Purple Heart, the Navy Commendation Meal with Bronze Star and the Combat "V". He was honorably discharged with the rank of ADJ2 in July of 1969. While in the Navy Frank married Sheila (Billings) Zuhlke on September 4, 1966 in San Diego, CA and they had lived in Youngstown for over 25 years. He received an Associate's Degree from Niagara County Community College and owned and operated Generation Construction Co in Youngstown for over 20 years, retiring in 2004. He was a communicant of St. Bernard's RC Church in Youngstown. He was also a life member of Military Order of Purple Hearts, U.S. Navy "Seawolves" HA(L) 3 Attack Helicopter Squadron, the Vietnam Veterans of America, and American Legion Post #1451 in Wheatfield. Frank was also a soccer coach for 20 years with the Niagara Pioneer Soccer League. He is survived by his wife, Sheila (Billings) Zuhlke, three daughters, Jean (Lou) Mang, Sharon (John) Borkowski, and Denise (Mike) Conde; his grandchildren, Sarah, Angela, Andrew, Leanne, Grace, Maggie, and Ava; a sister, Nancy Smith; a sister in law, Marcia Zuhlke; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, James and Eric Zuhlke. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Friday from 2 - 4 and 6 - 9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 31, at 11:00 AM in St. Bernard's RC Church, Hinman and Second Sts., Youngstown, with the Rev. Msgr. Thomas Moran officiating. (Please assemble at Church). Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, Niagara County Chapter #268, PO Box 585, Lockport, NY 14095-0585