Frank Jesse Starginer
July 16, 1928 ~ August 20, 2009
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Frank Jesse 'Buddy' Starginer passed away on August 20, 2009, after a brief illness. He was born to Frank Sr. and Mary Starginer on July 16, 1928. Mourning his passing are his son, Chuck and Chuck's girlfriend, Jackie Fisher; Phyllis Filler, Frank's beloved; his cousins, Pauline Pauchick, Ed Orazem, Norma (Al) Becco, Pat McCarthy, Shirley Keen and Charlie (Pat) Keen; and a host of friends. Frank was preceded in death by his parents and foster mothers, Norma Wewerka and Lucretia 'Creta' Fisher.
Frank was actively involved with Chuck in the Star Nursery, started by Frank Sr. in the 1920's. Frank received a Bachelor's degree from Southern Colorado State College in 1972. Since Frank was very knowledgeable in horticulture, customers often came to talk to him about gardening and landscaping problems.
Frank, who began playing the accordion at the age of nine, excelled as a musician. He played accordion with bands headed by Frankie Yankovic, Milo Youngman, Jim Ehrlich and others. Frank was inducted into the Pueblo Music Hall of Fame in 1999. Recently, Frank and his friend, Phyllis, formed an accordion duo and played for anniversaries, birthdays, nursing homes as well as the VA hospital at Walsenburg, Colo. Frank loved to dance and attended dances up to the month before his death.
Frank was a member of the Army Reserve. In the past he played trumpet with VFW Post 61 Drum and Bugle Corps. He was a member of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Eagles Lodge #145, Elks Lodge #90, Pueblo Country Historical Society, Southern Colorado Family Polka Club, The International Dance Club of Colorado Springs, The Pueblo German Club, The American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ), the OWLS and the Old Historical Northside Organization (OHNO).
Frank had played semi-professional basketball with the Bear-Axle team and played ice hockey until he was nearly 50 years old. Frank maintained an active interest in community environmental and political issues.
He will be missed by his many friends, family and customers.
A celebration of Frank's life will take place with a memorial Mass, 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September l, 2009, at The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, at 11th and Grand in Pueblo. Friends will be greeted at Montgomery & Steward Banquet Hall (upstairs) following the service.
Memorial gifts may be given in Frank's name for Animal Welfare (No Kill) Shelter, 800 N. Pueblo Blvd, 81003. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
Dear Starginer Family and Friends. My name is Kenneth Cuchiara, son of Charles ‘Chuck’� Cuchiara. Frank was a great friend of my fathers, and at my fathers services, Frank honored my Father, and our family by playing my fathers accordion. Frank played some great songs that touch everyone in attendance. Frank made Chucks Farewell Services very special. I will always remember Frank for his generosity and talent that day. Please except my families condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Frank touched us all that day, and we will always remember him and his graciousness.
Dear Starginer Family: We were sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. We did not know him well, but he was a good friend of my father, Chuck Cuchiara, who was also an accomplished Pueblo accordionist(He played 55 years with his band, the Serenaders). At my father’s funeral visitation, Frank came in and introduced himself. He felt so sad for my dad. We had one of my Dad’s special accordions on display next to the casket. Frank asked “Do you mind if I play a few songs?’ It was wonderful as he played Italian songs with tears in his eyes. My brothers and I felt as if my Dad had sent him to provide some accordion music for the occassion. I just thought I would share this story with you, as Frank was a special friend of my Dads. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Charles Cuchiara Jr.
Frank was a childhood friend and schoolmate of my father’s. At my father’s funeral, Frank sought me out to tell a view stories of their horseback riding days near the Fountain River. I enjoyed meeting him very much! I was saddened to read of his passing. Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss.
G. Perkins
I was sad to learn of the passing of Frank. I knew him from the Florence Senior Center and he was like a ray of sunshine with his music and sense of humor. I’ts a great loss but we’ll remember the joy he brought.
Chuck and Carol,
I am out of state and won’t be able to attend the memorial service. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you both. Frank was a wonderful friend and touched so many with his joy for life. Blessings to you both. Jane Garnett
Chuck,
Our thoughs are with you at this time of great sorrow. If you need us for anything let us know. May God bless you and give you strength.
Chuck,
Marlon and I wanted to covey our deepest condolences for your loss of both your Mom and Frank. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Marlon & Terry