Joseph Frankel's Obituary
Joseph Frankel was born in Albany NY Nov 8, 1924. He came to San Diego in 1929 along with his parents, Bernard and Ester Frankel, brothers, Charles, Morris, Samuel and sister Pauline. He attended Roosevelt Junior High and graduated from San Diego High School. Joe’s father died suddenly in 1936 and to help his family, Joe took a job fixing cars. He served in the U S Army during WWII landing in Normandy shortly after the Normandy invasion and was a mechanic for the officers jeeps.
Joe married Marilyn Apelman in 1949 and they had two children, Larry Frankel and Hillary St Martin, grandchildren Brett St Martin and Blythe (Joe) Muxlow, great grandchildren Morro, Carson and Cohen. He loved his children but his grandchildren were his life - all they had to do was ask “Papa” and he was thrilled to give them whatever they wanted or needed.
Joe’s auto repair training in the Army along with his training as a young boy, prepared him for his career as a radiator man. He owned Acme Radiator on University Ave and Commercial Radiator in downtown San Diego and La Mesa for nearly 50 years.
Joseph was a member of the Harry Apelman Post 185 Jewish War Veterans, named after his father-in-law, Harry Apelman.
Joe (and Marilyn) were very active in the SD Horseless Carriage Club for over 40 years. He was an avid collector of antique and classic vintage cars and really enjoyed car tours, many times including family and friends on those tours.
As time marched on and he lost many of his friends, Joe really missed his card games with brother-in-law Jerry Apelman, his cousin Marty “Boonie” Altshuler, friends Lou Anfanger, Leonard Blackman, Bud Rosenbloom, and others.
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