Frank Ujlaky

Frank Steven Ujlaky passed away at his home on October 26, 2018. He was born on July

23, 1922, to Michael and Agnes, in the small town of Modranka in what was then the

country of Czechoslovakia. His mother died when Frank was still a small child and his

grandmother raised him until his father remarried. He had two half siblings, Michael and

Julia. His father, hoping to make a better life for his family, went to America, but when it

was time for the rest of the family to join him, his stepmother sent only Frank. At 14

years of age he crossed the Atlantic alone, arriving in NYC not knowing a word of

English.

Frank graduated Murray High School of Building and Metals Trades in 1941. He enlisted

in the Navy and served from July 1941 until his honorable discharge in February 1946.

He served as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class and spent part of his time in the

South Pacific.

Upon his return home, Frank continued his technical training by taking evening classes

and working at A&S Tool Works and Coty’s Perfume Company. He went on to work at

Lily Tulip and finally the NYC Transit Authority as a machinist.

He married Dorothy Dunbar on October 30, 1949. They purchased a home in Floral Park

and where he resided until his death. They had one daughter, Linda (Lyn), two

granddaughters, Courtney Breslin Doughty and Caitlin Breslin, and a great grandson,

Seamus Doughty.

After retirement, Frank volunteered at the Human Concerns Center of Our Lady of the

Snows, the Bellerose Civic Association as Sergeant-of-Arms, was a member of the

Knights of Columbus, served NORC-WOW, and most notably SNAP, where he was on

the executive board and the recipient of The Elizabeth Gambino Community Service

Award in 2011.

Frank was an amazing gardener and loved tinkering in his workshop where he could

build and repair almost anything. He loved nothing better than working with his hands.

Frank was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend. You couldn’t

meet anyone more loyal, humble or hard working. A sense of humor and fun lurked

behind his serious nature from a life with rough beginnings.

His wife predeceased him in 2002. Frank leaves behind his sister Julia, and family in

Slovakia, his daughter, Lyn, and husband, Mike, granddaughter Courtney and husband,

Justin, granddaughter, Caitlin, and great grandson, Seamus. He blessed their lives and

will be missed everyday.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Our Lady of Snows, 258-15 80th Avenue,

Floral Park, NY 11004