Frank Michanowicz
Frank Michanowicz was born on September 1st, 1925, in Pennsylvania to Polish and Lithuanian immigrant parents. At 16, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific during World War II, where he defended ships in the Leyte Gulf campaign.
After the war, Frank earned his Master’s in Education at Peabody College in Nashville, where he met his wife, Barbara. He went on to teach at U.S. military schools across Germany, France, and Italy, eventually becoming a principal.
Frank raised three children abroad, skied in the Alps, swam daily, and returned to Tennessee in 1983. He continued teaching in Nashville public schools until the age of 95.
Today, Frank is 100 years old — a father, grandfather, veteran, educator, and master storyteller. He still reads the news, emails his grandkids, and hunts for bargains. His life is a testament to love, humor, curiosity, and quiet perseverance.
He starts with a war story, slides into Europe, and closes with teaching kids in Nashville — all before sealing the deal with a handshake and a smile.
PawPaw doesn’t slow down — he’s just one conversation away from a new deal, a new plan, or a new laugh.
Letters
2 lettersDear Dad
Do you remember when I caught fire to the palm tree just outside the kitchen? Do you remember finding the bat in your bedroom shutters the day of our Halloween party? Do you remember the persimmon tree out front and Denise used to eat them raw? Signore Lodi's house was a paradise and it brought me the best memories of Italy. When people ask me where is home, I always think of Via Bugano #8. Thank you for finding us a beautiful, sunny, and magical place to grow up.
Dear Paw Paw
Dear PawPaw,
You've always been a role model for me for how to live a life full of adventure, while staying healthy, family-oriented, and disciplined with money. You are turning 100, you're healthy both physically and mentally walking around, driving, making jokes and even bargaining with 25 year old salesmen for a new truck. Incredible.
I love you very much, and it makes me proud to talk about you to my friends around the world, to my colleagues in Korea who are touched by your service liberating them from the Japanese in WW2, and to my loved ones who are comforted by knowing I am descended from a strong line of genetics that carry longevity and strength. This collection of memories and photos is my birthday gift to you, and it is made even more meaningful because it was created with the help of your children and close friends who love you and are proud of you. I hope one day I will honor your memory and show these memories to my future children and their children to come...
Your grandson, Matthew
Dear Dad
Do you remember when I caught fire to the palm tree just outside the kitchen? Do you remember finding the bat in your bedroom shutters the day of our Halloween party? Do you remember the persimmon tree out front and Denise used to eat them raw? Signore Lodi's house was a paradise and it brought me the best memories of Italy. When people ask me where is home, I always think of Via Bugano #8. Thank you for finding us a beautiful, sunny, and magical place to grow up.