Everyone Has A Story

Robert “Frank” Schaible – Happy 100th Birthday!

There are many labels one could place on Frank Schaible. Some of his labels speak for themselves. He is a veteran of World War II. He is a Philadelphian. As of today, April 28th, 2015, he is a centenarian. He is charming and extremely kind-hearted. If you were to ask Frank to describe himself, however, he would simply reply that he is a family man.

Robert “Frank” Schaible was born on April 28th, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with his four brothers and three sisters. He grew up in the Hunting Park neighborhood of North Philadelphia and attended McClure Elementary and Gratz Junior High School (known today as Simon Gratz High School), but Frank did not attend high school because he had to work to bring in an income for his parents during the Great Depression. Frank and his four brothers all joined the military. During Frank’s time in the Army, he saw combat in Germany, France, and Belgium. He was even part of the reserves during the Korean War.

Frank met Mildred (Minnie) at the Phoenix Dance Hall, and the two were wed in 1951. They started their family on Colgate Street in the Lawncrest neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia and had three daughters: Sue, Bonnie, and Debbie. They were married for 54 years until Mildred passed away in 2005.

Following his time in the Army and the Army Reserves, Frank became a salesman for Miller, Bain & Beyer. He worked for the company for 15 years and then went to work for the U.S. Postal Service for the next 25 at their offices at 30th Street Station, Logan and Elkins Park.

Today, Frank has seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His daughters are regular visitors to PPh, and Frank is always happy to have them and his many grandchildren around.

Thank you for all the smiles and laughs you bring to us all at PPh, Frank!