Frank Theodore Cholowski, age 95, of Largo, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, at East Bay Rehab following a short illness.
Frank was born on May 7, 1930, in Carteret, New Jersey, to Anna Kazio and Frank Theodore Cholowski. He grew up alongside his brother, Michael, and together they answered the call to serve their country. Michael served in the United States Navy during World War II, while Frank proudly served in the United States Army as a Private First Class in the artillery during the Korean War. He was a member of the “Triple Nickel Unit” and was honored with a medal and pendant of commendation for his service.
Upon returning home, Frank continued a life dedicated to service—this time to his faith and community. A devoted member of St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Carteret, New Jersey, he served as both a choir member and a member of the church board. It was there that he met the love of his life, Juliana “Julie” Lesky. The two were married on May 25, 1957, at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church and shared 57 years of marriage, building a loving family and a life grounded in faith and service.
Frank dedicated his professional life to public service. He served as a special deputy with the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department, worked as a prison guard at Rahway State Prison, and later as a Superior Court Clerk for Middlesex County, New Jersey.
In later years, Frank and Julie moved to Florida, where they became active members of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Frank continued his lifelong commitment to his faith, serving on the church board and honoring a personal vow he made after his military service to attend church every Sunday.
Frank believed deeply in the value of education and hard work. Though he himself graduated from high school, he took great pride in encouraging his children to pursue higher education and achieve their fullest potential.
He is survived by his son, Mark (JD) Cholowski and his wife Robin (MBA, MPA); his daughter, Dr. Ann Marie Cholowski (MD, JD); his niece, Theresa Klin and her husband Peter; Paul and his wife Ann; and many beloved nieces and nephews through extended family, as well as his sister-in-law, Catherine Lesky Shaffer.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Michael, a World War II veteran, and his wife Jeanette; and his cherished in-laws of the Lesky family: Anna and Michael Lesky, Stephen and Elsie Lesky, Mary Lesky, Joseph and Kay Lesky, Sophie and Louis Dembski, Helen and Edwin Maslankowski, and George Shaffer.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of Frank’s caregivers, including the the Stavrevskis, Dovey, Goldton Assisted Living Facility, Morton Plant Hospital, Encompass at Largo, East Bay Rehab, and Suncoast Hospice, for their compassionate care and support.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM on April 2, 2026, at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, followed by a funeral service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Frank will be laid to rest at Bushnell National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Suncoast Hospice, the Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, or a charity of one’s choice in honor of Frank’s life and legacy.
