Frank A. Prybyla |
| Posted 2008-05-28 by Judy Wight Branson |
| Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Sunday, May 25, 2008 Frank A. Prybyla A resident of Prescott since 1991, on May 22, 2008, following a long illness, Frank was taken to his heavenly home by the Lord he loved, to dwell forevermore with Him. Born in Woonsocket, R.I., on Oct. 23, 1919, Frank’s parents were Stanley and Anna (Bebus) Prybyla. He attended the public schools, graduating from Woonsocket High School with the class of 1936. A splendid athlete, he lettered in football, baseball and basketball. He attended the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of New Haven, obtaining an associate degree from the latter in mechanical engineering. Frank worked for 25 years at the Winchester Western Repeating Arms Co. in New Haven, Conn., as a designer of rifles and shotguns, becoming the inventor and patent assignee for several new modifications. During World War II he served overseas with the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of captain prior to his release from active duty. His working career concluded after 10 years with TRW Co., serving as an innovative firearms designer. On June 13, 1943, he married Elizabeth Lois Souler, his lifelong wife of 66 years, at the First Methodist Church in Woonsocket. Frank and Betty were members of the Hamden Plains United Methodist Church (Hamden, Conn.), serving together in many of the ministries there over a period of 41 years. His is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Betty) Prybyla and his children, David and Janet Prybyla of Winter Springs, Fla., Frank A. Prybyla Jr. of Park City, Utah, and Margaret (Prybyla) and Gerald Watt of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and a sister, Anna Prybyla, R.N., of Woodbury, N.J. Surviving grandchildren include Dr. David Jason Prybyla of Holden, Mass., Joshua Nathan Prybyla of Boston, Mass., and Brit Evan Ullrich of Denver, Colo.; and great-grandchildren Zachary and Alexis Prybyla. Frank was a member of the Masonic Lodge AF&AM at Hamden, Conn., for more than 40 years. The family will be hosting a memorial service at the Prescott Community Church, 5131 Willow Creek Road, at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31, 2008. It is requested that any donations be made to YRMC Hospice Program, 3262 North Windsong Dr., Prescott Valley AZ 86314. Information provided by survivors. |
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