Bob Wasilewski
On Friday, November 23rd, 2007, Frank Brescia, age 66, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away doing what he loved most, skiing at Hunter Mountain in NY. He passed away on the ski lift of a sudden heart attack. Frank was a friend of ours, and we will always cherish his laughter and silly little jokes for the rest of our days. And to the Gymnastics World staff and gym parents, Frank loved you all, and his love will be with you for the rest of your lives.
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Frank was employed by Gymnastics World for 17 years as a class instructor and a level 4 and 5 team coach. You probably ran into Frank at many NJ locals. He was a gray haired, soft-spoken, well-mannered gentleman who cared about others and especially the well being of his young gymnasts. The coaching staff and the children he coached will certainly miss Mr. Brescia.
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Frank was born in Paterson where he lived for many years before moving to Pompton Lakes. Frank attended Paterson Central High School graduating with the Class of 1959. He then went to Farleigh Dickinson University in Rutherford, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. Frank also served in the Army during the Vietnam conflict.
Much of his business career was as a purchasing agent including having worked for McGregor Sporting Goods in East Rutherford, and later the APC Plastic Molding Company in Hawthorne. In his final years he served as the Executive Director of the Wayne Foundation For The Handicapped. The foundation employees will certainly miss Frank because he gave that special job two hundred percent for those very special people. For Frank, managing the Foundation was more of a dedication than a job. He will sorely be missed there.
He had several hobbies including gymnastics, piloting, golf, and hunting with bow and arrow. But, his favorite activity was skiing. He leaves his loved ones with many fond memories of a very kind and devoted family member who was special in many ways. His sister, Julia, recalls how he taught her how to ski as well as teaching many other family members. Surviving are his sister Julia Coppo of West Paterson. Three nephews; Frank Coppo and his wife Connie, Thomas Coppo and his wife Lisa, and Timothy Coppo. Additionally, Frank had a grand niece Meghan Coppo and a grand nephew James Coppo.
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