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Frank E. Ostrowski

April 14, 1929 - February 23, 2024

Text:

Obituary For Frank E. Ostrowski

Age 94, of Whitehall, on Friday, February 23, 2024.

Husband of the late Joan (Chuha) Ostrowski; father of the late Kim Ostrowski; grandfather of Ian Ostrowski; uncle of Anthony Lutch and Jeffrey (Alicia) DiLuccia, son of the late Cecelia and Francis Ostrowski. Frank was also survived by cousins, Connie (the late Robert) Garrison, Bryan Garrison and Vicki (Will) Garrison-O'Brien.

Frank was a 1947 graduate of Schenley High School and went on to study trumpet with Georges Majer at the New England Conservatory and Berkshire Music Institute. He left after two years to join the Oklahoma Symphony at the age of 20. He was drafted at age 22 into the U.S. Army and played in the second Army band at Fort Meade. After discharge, he played two tours with Author Fielder and the Boston Pops. Frank joined the Pittsburgh Symphony in 1955 and was a member until 1970. He played under William Steinberg, Leonard Bernstein, Leopold Stokowski, Euguene Ormandy and also Stravinsky and Hindemith. In 2001 when Heinz Hall was built, the Symphony hired Frank as a contractor to provide musicians for the Opera and Ballet and later the Broadway Series and Civic Light Opera as well. He was very proud that he hired local musicians for these events. He joined the Civic Light Orchestra from 1972-2022. A fun fact about Frank was that he once played for a dog's Bar Mitzvah at the River's Club.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road Brentwood 15227 on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 2-8 p.m. Funeral prayer on Thursday morning at 9:15. Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin Church at 10:00 a.m.

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Condolences

  • March 19, 2024

    Jennifer Georges

    Will miss you Mr. O! Such an amazing influence in the music world and in our world! xoxo Jen and boys

  • February 27, 2024

    Wendell Banyay

    Frank was a blessing to all who knew and worked with him. Thanks for some great guidance and fun times. We spoke just a couple weeks ago and he was still upbeat and gracious. Gabriel can take some holidays; Frank is there to cover for him🎺

  • February 27, 2024

    Bob Schmalz

    Not to worry old friend. If you have any trouble finding your way around up there, I'm sure Evan Broman will get you situated!! Bob Schmalz

  • February 27, 2024

    Henry Spinelli

    Frank was a very kind man, a true gentleman, in addition to his distinction as a musician and family man. His service to the Pittsburgh music community will long be remembered. Henry Spinelli

  • February 27, 2024

    Mary Cay Bulbak

    Frank used to come to play at St. Adalbert's Church for Christmas and Easter Masses. I was just starting to do solo singing, was very nervous to sing with professional musicians. Frank was very kind to me and talked to me to calm me down. He was a wonderful musician and a kind human being, He will be missed.

  • February 27, 2024

    Stephene Broman

    Spending time with Frank and his family during the CLO years was such a wonderful chapter for my husband Evan and me . Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers, Stephene Broman

  • February 27, 2024

    George Hoydich

    Memory Eternal! So grateful for having known Frank since I was 22. While he may be gone the stories will live on. Indebted for his trusting me as a musician all these years. He will be missed.

  • February 27, 2024

    Lee Appleman

    For years I had the pleasure to play with theatre orchestras in all of the cities. Without question, Frank was the greatest contractor of them all. Not only did he hire excellent musicians, but he was a wonderful, fun human being to be around. His stories and anecdotes were legendary. His own performance career was remarkable. His wife Joan and daughter Kim were a pleasure to know. Losing both of them was a tragedy for Frank, but somehow he managed to remain upbeat. RIP Frank, you will be greatly missed.

  • February 26, 2024

    Heidi Peters

    Frank was one of my dad's closest musician friends . So many years filled with so many wonderful memories. I was blessed to be a part of them. The trumpets are playing in heaven and Frank is reunited with his loving family again . Prayers and sympathy , Heidi ( Broman ) Peters

  • February 26, 2024

    Jack Ashton

    Frank was my teacher, my mentor and my dear friend going back to the late nineteen-fifties. He was an inspiration to so many, there will be none other quite like him. He will be dearly missed.

  • February 26, 2024

    James Germann

    Frank was a wonderful human being. A true hero to musicians and a great friend to us all. He will be missed by so many but his stories will be told for years to come. He was truly a legend.