Frank loved to entertain, and sporting events were an excellent excuse to open his house to family and friends, and the occasional stranger.

Actually, no one was a stranger in Frank Page's world. Once he met you, you were his friend and were welcomed into his generous circle to partake of his charming and entertaining nature.

Frank Page, a well-known North Philadelphia funeral director, a 32-year employee of the Postal Service and a Navy veteran, died Sunday. He was a little over a week from his 82nd birthday. He lived in Elkins Park.

"Frank had a zest for life and a charming wit," his family said. "He loved to entertain and have fun."

Frank was born in Washington, D.C., to G. Frank Page Sr. and Eleanor Jones Page. He was raised in Scottsville, Va., until the age of 8 when his parents sent him to Elkins Park to live with an aunt and uncle.

He became active with Salem Baptist Church of Jenkintown, where he participated in Sunday school, the Baptist Young People's Union and the choir. He also was a member of the church's bowling team and the Club Samaritan.

Frank attended Abington High School, where he was an all-around athlete, participating in basketball, football and gymnastics.

He interrupted his education by enlisting in the Navy in June 1945. He served as a steward on the destroyer escort USS T.F. Nickel. After active duty, he became a member of the Naval Reserves and received his discharge in 1958.

Frank earned his GED from Temple High School and went on to the Eckels Mortuary School. He made the dean's list and graduated in 1947. He served his apprenticeship at the Hunt Funeral Home in Chester.

He met and married Rosemary Monroe in 1952.

He opened the G. Frank Page Jr. Funeral Home in North Philadelphia in 1953.

Frank also had to work other jobs to suppport his family. He eventually went to work for the Postal Service, putting in 32 years before his retirement in 1983.

"Following his retirement from the Postal Service, Frank was able to focus on providing his special brand of service, which he continued until the end," his family said.

Among occasions for Frank's famous parties were the Penn Relays and the Super Bowl. He observed these events with special hospitality.

"Once he welcomed you into his home, you became his friend or an adopted member of his family for life," his family said.

Frank enjoyed deep-sea fishing and playing pinochle. He spent a lot of time glued to ESPN for important sporting events.

Among his favorite athletes were Tiger Woods, and Venus and Serena Williams.

He was a member of the National Funeral Director's Association and the Quaker City Funeral Directors.

His wife died in 2005. He is survived by three daughters, Maureen, Julie Patterson and Virginia Page-Rollerson; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Services: 11 a.m. Monday at Salem Baptist Church of Jenkintown, 610 Summit Ave., Jenkintown. Friends may call at noon Sunday at the G. Frank Page Jr. Funeral Home, 1748 W. Erie Ave., and at 8 a.m. Monday at the church. *