Frank Michanowicz

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Think of a moment you shared with Frank that still lingers in your mind - something that makes you smile, laugh, or simply reminds you of him.

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Say thank you, share what he means to you, or say the things you didn't get to before. Tell him what you miss, what you remember, or what you'd say now. There's no right way - just begin.

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Dear Paw paw

Hey Paw paw, congratulations on the 100th anniversary! Everytime we have visited you in the states you´ve welcomed us with open arms and always been so nice to both of us. When we think of you, we are reminded by the good times we had, we especially remember how you taught us to draw, and we had a ...

From: Mads and MaleneAugust 31, 2025

Submitted by Malene Præst Slemming on August 31, 2025

Dear Mr. Mickanowicz

Mr. Frank I didn’t get to know you till the 2017 when Denise and I reconnected at a HS reunion. I always knew you where the principal of the elementary school. I knew Mrs. Mickanowicz from church and the best memory would be she was the kindest person. Your biggest legacy is in the children you r...

From: Cristina Covelli Di Bernardo August 29, 2025

Submitted by Cristina Di Bernardo on August 29, 2025

denise michanowicz

July 26, 2025

Think of a moment you shared with Frank that still lingers in your mind - something that makes you smile, laugh, or simply reminds you of him.

Collection of Frank's early days with Barbara from Denise's photo collection.

Denise Michanowicz

July 26, 2025

Think of a moment you shared with Frank that still lingers in your mind - something that makes you smile, laugh, or simply reminds you of him.

April 5, 2016 Barbara, Nicole and Frank celebrating Nicole's Confirmation. Location is 4212 Bayside Lane, Hermitage, TN

DAWN MICHANOWICZ

June 12, 2025

What's a place that will always remind you of Frank? Why is it special for you?

Vicenza: 1966-1975. After Denise was born, we moved from Nuermburg, Germany to Italy with Grams (Dad's mother). For several months we lived on base...

Dear Dad,

From: DawnJune 12, 2025

Dear Frank

From: Your son in-lawAugust 31, 2025

Submitted by Knud Præst Jørgensen on August 31, 2025

+9 more

Amy Alley

August 12, 2025

John Rose hoping to be TN's next governor

Hermitage Elementary Veteran's Day Speciial Guest

Mr. Frank

Mr. Frank and I both loved Barbara and from that shared love, a deep and lasting friendship grew. He and I are like-minded in many ways- we’re able to talk openly, share our feelings, and exchange opinions without judgment. I feel truly special when he refers to me as his best friend. As a lifelo...

From: Amy AlleyAugust 12, 2025

Matthew Gleysteen

May 30, 2025

Think of a moment you shared with grandpa Frank that still lingers in your mind — something that makes you smile, laugh, or simply reminds you of them (Ex: “One moment I’ll never forget is the time…” , “We used to always…”, “I remember the day you...”)

I'll always remember PawPaw as a deal hunter who loves to negotiate with everyone. He starts by telling a story, carefully weaving into the story that...

Dear PawPaw

From: Your grandson, MatthewMay 30, 2025

Granddaughter Nicole making pizza with PawPaw

Nicole Singer

August 30, 2025

Nicole Singer

August 30, 2025

Think of a moment you shared with Frank that still lingers in your mind - something that makes you smile, laugh, or simply reminds you of him.

One of the funny things about Paw Paw is that if you take him to a Mexican restaurant, he always tries to speak Italian to the waiter. Let’s just say...

Memories

Dear Paw Paw, my best memories with you were in the pool, or actually probably in the hot tub at the Sheraton after we had done all our laps. You have always made an effort to keep your body and mind going, and I find that very inspiring. You have a high degree of self love and self respect that ma...

From: Nicole SingerAugust 30, 2025

DAWN MICHANOWICZ

June 12, 2025

What's a place that will always remind you of Frank? Why is it special for you?

From 1975 - 1983 Dad & Mom lived in Marina di Pisa, Italy when Dad got transferred from Vicenza to Livorno, Camp Darby Elementary School. He and Mom...

Matthew Gleysteen

April 24, 2025

What were Frank's interests and hobbies? What did he love doing in his free time?

Frank, or as I call him PawPaw is always telling stories. He fought in WW2 in 1940s against the Japanese in the Pacific campaign, met and courted his...

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.

Memory feed

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

4 letters

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.

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

Our memories together

Dear Frank

Congratulations on your 100th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I have been so privileged to be welcomed into your family. I felt welcome from the first moment I stepped into your and Barbara’s home. You later became my in-laws, and I did not feel anything but approval, when I married your daughter. I remember clearly when you and Barbara visited me on my ship; Axel Maersk in New Jersey in 2016. Denise and I received our blessing on our marriage on board, which you both attended. I also clearly remember when you, Barbara, Denise and Nicole arrived in Copenhagen airport in august 2016. Denise and Nicole were moving over to me, and you ensured, by your presence, that they did that in a safe way.

You stayed with us for some time, in Denise’s and my common home. You have also welcomed my two children, Mads and Malene into your family unconditionally.

I have so many pleasant memories of my visits to your home in USA. Both when visiting you on Bayside Lane and later at Rutland. I will only mention a few of them here, but there are several.

One was a road trip in 2019 to Kentucky, where we visited the Corvette Museum and later stopped by Thomas Drugs. A, one of a kind, pharmacy in Cross Plains, TN. (They served the best milkshake I ever had). It was great fun, and the trip is still clearly in my mind. I also clearly remember when we celebrated your and Barbara’s 60th anniversary in 2015. We celebrated it at your home, and at the Brazilian restaurant downtown. I met a lot of your family and friends at that event.

I also always enjoyed our long conversations. I listened, with great interest, when you told me about your life. From your experiences in WWII, the many years you lived in Europe, your manager job at Sheraton, and of course, your long-life commitment to education. I hope you will enjoy your birthday together with your closest family and friends. Unfortunately, I cannot be there to celebrate it with you, but you will surely be with me all day on September 1st.

Again, congratulations on your 100th birthday. It is such a huge achievement.
Yours faithfully Knud