Frank R. Pike

Frank R. Pike,

85, of Indianapolis, passed away October 18, 2018. He was born on June 12, 1933 in New York City, New York to Frank and Mildred Pike.

Frank was born on 144^th Street on the West Side of Manhattan near the Hudson River in New York City. His mother called him a “little street urchin” busy playing street ball and skating down the hill on cardboard. He attended Holy Child Academy for his elementary school years and Power Memorial High School which was taught by the Irish Christian Brothers. Frank often said the Brothers took a vow of “corporal punishment.”

The next phase of his life was deciding to go to Columbia University for his college education. Though he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree, the “Core Curriculum” stole his heart. He fell in love with History, Music, the Arts, Philosophy, and Literature. He felt that this exposure impacted his life forever.

Then came the draft and off to the army and eventually Alabama. He endured those two years, wondering why they didn’t use his knowledge and skills. Alas, he was an office clerk. When his time was served, he hit NYC, looking to start a career. Also, it was a time to reconnect with the old neighborhood gang.

Frank accepted an offer with Pitman Moore Pharmaceuticals, which would become Dow Chemical. He worked at Dow for 30+ years and had many positions, which he lumped together as the title of “Business Executive.”

In the summer of 1958 on a picnic, he met his “Maggie.” For the next 60 years she would be lovingly known as “My Maggie.” All the stars must have been in perfect alignment at that memorable picnic because they were destined to be together. Theirs is a love story of taking “the road less traveled.” In those years they were blessed with two daughters, Laura Jean and Siobhan Marie. Laura left their world ahead of Frank and Margie but we know they are reunited now. Siobhan was the light and joy of his life, his “little red-headed pip squeak.” He would say over and over how wonderful she is and are we not blessed to have her.

The next phase was his much loved grandsons; Adam and Conner. These boys have brought joy, excitement, and an ability to capture through them the joys he remembered from his youth.

After retirement, Frank went into a phase of being CEO of the “Idle Oars” Company of which the company motto was “No Work, No Fuss.” What really happened was a “true servant soul” emerged, volunteering as a driver with the Red Cross, followed by being a volunteer at the Cathedral Soup Kitchen. He would laugh at the name change. He no longer was Frank but the “Egg Man”, the “Pots and Pans Man” or the “Food Picker Upper.” Frank used to say he was a “hidden monk” and found the Our Lady of Grace: Benedictine Sisters Monastery. Frank found his calling of “prayers and work” among the sisters. Being at the monastery was his meeting place with God.

Age brought some infirmities to Frank, but he never complained. He never feared death because we never die but in faith live on in the presence of God.

The last vacation was to his true Homeland “Prince Edward Island” with its green fields, rolling hills, steep cliffs, blue waters and Celtic music to nourish the soul.

“Will it matter that Frank was?” A resounding yes!! He brought love, a questioning mind, a thirst for knowledge, and contentment that life is everlasting.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mildred; daughter, Laura Jean Pike; granddaughter, Megan Roark; sister, Mary Stewart; and nephews, Frank Stewart and Jimmy Valentine. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Margie Pike; daughter, Siobhan (Dave Sturch) Roark; grandchildren, Adam (Hailey Woods) Roark, and Conner Roark; nephew, Doug (Debbie) Stewart; niece, Sharon Valentine; and great nieces, Mary Stewart and Emily Stewart.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 26, 2018 from 4pm-8pm at Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 9:30am-10:30am at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. A Funeral Mass will immediately begin at 10:30am. Frank will be laid to rest at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cathedral Kitchen, 1347 N. Meridian St., Indpls, IN 46202 or Our Lady of Grace Monastery, 1402 Southern Ave, Beech Grove, IN 46107.