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A devout Christian, William Arthur Fronko passed away Sept. 4 at age 88. He was born to Michael Fronko and Amelia Kovach in Monaca, PA, now deceased.
At age 11 he began shining shoes and to increase his wages, at a later age, he became a theatre usher, mowed lawns, and worked on a turkey farm. At age 13 he began learning how to lay brick from his uncle.
His favorite sport was baseball and during his high school years, pitched a no-hitter. Also worked at a gas station and steel mills at night and weekends. At 19 he went to work for a construction company carrying brick and hod. Also worked for his brother-in-law building and selling homes. After graduation he studied engineering at Geneva College in Pittsburgh for 2 years. In 1957 he married the late Norma Jean Stevens.
He served 3 years in the Army and after his military service he finished 4 years apprenticeship to become a brick mason. Eventually they had a daughter and moved from Olympia, WA, to Washougal, where Bill continued his trade until retiring. His wife passed away in 1994. In 2007 he married the former Judy Woodworth.
One of his accomplishments is the “housing” for the bell outside the Zion Lutheran Church in Camas, made of brick.
Another major accomplishment was his hobby of restoring cars. The latest was a 3-year project of restoring a ¾ ton 1967 Chevrolet pickup with his wife’s help as well.
Bill is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughter, Diana Larson; son-in-law, Jon; and grandson, Jordan.