Frank T. Sobonya, Jr.

Frank T. Sobonya, Jr., age 71, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Frank grew up in Twin Rocks, PA, and went to Penn State University for 2 years. He then moved to Delaware where he went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Delaware. Frank worked as a civil engineer at Delmarva Power for 36 years in transmission design.

Frank was married to his wife Jean for 24 years. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, friend, and Pappy.  He loved going to the beach and enjoyed riding in the waves, eating crabs, beating his kids in bag toss, and building sandcastles with his grandchildren.  He was an avid golfer, golfing many years with the Delmarva Power League and in later years was a member at Cripple Creek Golf and Country Club.

He loved cheering for all his favorite Pittsburgh sports teams and was a season ticket holder to UD football and basketball games. No matter where Frank went, he always ran into someone he knew, whether it be a Delmarva coworker, Steeler fanatic, or a Ravens fan to heckle.

Frank’s faith in God played a vital role in his life. He read his Bible daily and was an active member at Berean Baptist Church and later Aldersgate United Methodist Church.  After he retired, Frank and Jean enjoyed traveling. Some of their favorite trips were Alaska, Hawaii, and Hungary. Later in life, he was very active with his grandkids who had him wrapped around their finger.

Frank is survived by his wife Jean and his three daughters Jessica Sobonya of Blue Bell, PA, Jennifer Poulsen (Ryan) of Wilmington, DE, and Christina Hugo (Taylor) of Wilmington DE, and his grandchildren: Layla Hugo, Lillian Poulsen, Ethan Hugo, and Madelynn Poulsen.  He is also survived by his brothers David (Karen) of Cross Junction, VA, Richard (Tina) of Millville, DE, Michael of Twin Rocks, PA and his sister Karen Fordyce (Greg) of South Elgin, IL.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Carolyn Sobonya, his late wife Judith Sobonya and his son Frank III.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Frank’s fight with Glioblastomas, contributions can be made to the Brain Tumor Lab Support Fund: http://giving.upenn.edu

If mailing a check, please make checks payable to “Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania,” noting “in memory of Frank Sobonya,” and mail to Penn Medicine Development, Attn: Sheryl Garton, 3535 Market St., Ste. 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104.