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John W. Frombach

December 19, 1946 - November 05, 2025

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Obituary For John W. Frombach

John W. Frombach, age 78, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 of Brentwood.

Beloved husband of Elaine (Crnkovic); son of the late Frank Frombach and Ora Sedmak; brother of Deborah N. (the late James) McCommons; uncle of Shawna McCommons and Eric McCommons. John will also be missed by many beloved friends, including Kathy and Steve Strotmeyer and Marilyn Kail.

John was the consummate educator and life-long learner. After graduating from Edinboro University in 1968, he began his career as an elementary teacher at Northwestern School District in Albion and transitioned to an administrator in charge of Transportation, Facilities and Food Service departments. During this time, he earned his Master’s in Education and principal certifications. In 1979 he moved to Pittsburgh to become Director of Services for the Baldwin-Whitehall School District overseeing support services and was chief negotiator for collective bargaining. During this period, he earned a Letter of Eligibility for Superintendent from California University and was an Adjunct Professor at Carlow University where he taught school law and finance in the Graduate School of Education. He retired from Baldwin-Whitehall in 2005. After his retirement, he continued to use his knowledge by filling interim positions in 14 school districts, including superintendent of Wilkinsburg School District.

Giving back to the profession he loved was important to him through his involvement with the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials and the Association of Schools Business Officials International. He was a member of the PASBO Board serving as president in 1993-94. He then was elected to the ASBO board, serving as president in 2005. He conducted workshops throughout his career and served as a PASBO Regional Chapter Liaison until his death. For his service to the profession, he was awarded ASBO’s highest honor The International Eagle Award and the PASBO Gary Reeser Memorial Award, both in 1996.

Serving the community was also important to John. He engaged in organizations too numerous to mention but most significantly past president and longtime member of the Whitehall Community Lions Club, past District Governor of Pennsylvania Lions District 14-B, and former chair and current treasurer for the Brentwood 4th of July Committee. He also served on Brentwood Borough Council from 2013-2021, serving as president in 2016-17.

Faith was the foundation of everything John did. He served as a youth director at his church in Albion, continued as a Youth Counselor and Sunday School teacher when he moved to Pittsburgh. A member of Christ Church in Bethel Park since 2007, he served as a Sunday School teacher, member of many committees including his recent membership on the Endowment Committee.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. and Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 2-7 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. in Christ United Methodist Church, 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. If desired, family suggests contributions to Christ United Methodist Church Endowment Fund (at the above address) or South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) Food Bank, 2601 South Park Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102.

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Tributes

  • 10 TREES

    Marco A Cardamone planted 10 trees in memory of John W. Frombach . - November 10, 2025

  • 5 TREES

    Andreas Dometakis planted 5 trees in memory of John W. Frombach . - November 07, 2025

Condolences

  • November 13, 2025

    Ron and Karen Rudler

    Sorry to hear of John's passing. He worked for the Northwestern School District while we were employed there. He was an energetic and thoughtful person. Hope you have lots of memories of special times with John that will help you through this difficult time.

  • November 10, 2025

    David Green

    Elaine and family, he was a great man that I was fortunate to work with at Baldwin-Whitehall SD. His contributions to the school district and the community stretch far and wide. I pray that he will never be forgotten and his legacy will live on. May you find memories in all the little things that occur each day and that you will take comfort with the thoughts and prayers for all affected by John's passing.

  • November 10, 2025

    Dottie Ingersoll

    Elaine, I am so very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was such a good friend and colleague and I enjoyed working with him on many occasions. He was such a positive influence on my boys at Baldwin community Church and he will be missed by so many people, you and John's family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Dottie Ingersoll.

  • November 09, 2025

    Robbie Coxon

    Elaine, I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. Truly committed to his faith, he was the confirmation sponsor to all three of my sons at Baldwin Methodist Church and a great example to all. I am so sorry for your loss and lift you in prayer for healing Heaven truly gained an angel. Blessings to you! Robbie Coxon

  • November 09, 2025

    Thomas Thompson

    Elaine— As you know, John began his school management in Albion working at Northwestern with my dad Don Thompson. My dad always spoke very highly of John and was pleased to see John step into Superintendent positions in challenging larger districts. I was glad to follow John's career moves in the Pittsburgh area. Tom Thompson

  • November 09, 2025

    Joel and Carolyn Redfoot

    Elaine, We were so sorry to hear about John. We have fond memories of him from BCUMC. Joel and Carolyn Redfoot

  • November 08, 2025

    Tom Gentzel

    My condolences on John's passing. His obituary gives a sense of how involved, and impactful, he was throughout his life, but it can't capture how well liked and respected he was by all who knew and worked with him. He was truly a giant in public education. Tom Gentzel

  • November 08, 2025

    Debra Dixon Doss

    Elaine- I have many fond memories of John at ASBO and SASBO conferences. John was one of a kind. Seeing the good in everyone . Sending prayers. Love, Debra Retired SASBO Executive Director

  • November 08, 2025

    Michael

    My condolences and sympathy. I worked for John at the Baldwin/whitehall school district for years. He was an incredible man. Rest in peace,John. Michael.

  • November 08, 2025

    Deb Raubenstrauch

    So very sorry to hear of John's passing. I was on 5he Wilkinsburg School Board when John served as an interim superintendent. He was incredibly hard working, honest, and helped us through a difficult period. He will be missed. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends.

  • November 07, 2025

    Barb Brown

    Elaine So sorry to hear of John's passing Barb Brown

  • November 07, 2025

    Paula Hasbach

    Elaine and family - my sympathy on your loss. John was a special guy and an asset to the many communities he touched. He will be missed.

  • November 07, 2025

    Michael Rich

    I was fond of the comfort in seeing John at school conferences serving as liaison for the Pennsylvania Association of school board officials. He went out of his way to steward vendors and school districts to be the best they could be. He will be missed -Mike Rich

  • November 07, 2025

    Erv Weischedel

    I will miss you my friend. Erv Weischedel

  • November 07, 2025

    Linda Roth

    A true pillar to the community. Class act. I'm thankful to have met John through the Brentwood 4th of July day parade committee. If everyone can be just a little more like John, the world would be a better place. Rest in peace and prayers to Elaine and all who are impacted by John's passing.

  • November 07, 2025

    ira weiss

    Elaine: our deepest sympathy to you. John was a good friend and a consummate professional. Betty and Ira Weiss

  • November 07, 2025

    Andreas Dometakis

    John was a good friend, great person to work with and a mentor. I learnt so musch working with John and just talking to him. His knowledge captured every subject, from politics to travel to education and so much more. He surely will be missed., but not forgotten. Deepest sympath to his family and Elaine.

  • November 07, 2025

    Karen Williams

    Sending you my heartfelt condolences, Elaine. John was a great colleague and friend to me. His love for you was genuine and boundless. Treasure the many loving memories you made together. With love, Karen Williams

  • November 07, 2025

    Tara Crull

    I had the privilege to work with John during his time as a regional chapter liaison for PASBO. John will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to school business and his selfless service to the community. May his contributions inspire us all to make a positive difference in the lives of others. John will be missed. Please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time.

  • November 07, 2025

    Patrick Ward

    Elaine, I'm very sorry to hear of John's passing. I know John was a man of great faith and is at peace now. You are in my thoughts. - Patrick Ward

  • November 07, 2025

    Hoon Teo

    Uncle John, may you rest in peace. We are going to miss your cheerful smile!

  • November 06, 2025

    Trish Riani

    Elaine and family...we're so sorry to hear of John's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you face the days ahead...Trish and Dave Riani

  • November 06, 2025

    Michele Fabrizi

    Elaine, my heartfelt condolences. John was an extraordinary man and a loving partner to you. I pray your find memories bring you great comfort. Love, Michele

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