Frank William Dressler, formerly of Swarthmore, passed away on January 31, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.

Frank was born to Andrew (of Arhus, Denmark) and Anna Marie Stolz (of Philadelphia) Dressler on August 17, 1928, the youngest of 5 children. During the depression his parents operated a number of businesses, moving the family often. While in high school in Newfoundland, PA, Frank met his future wife, Winifred Cavell Uhl. They were separated much of the time that Frank was in the army, stationed on various bases around the U.S., but they were married in secret in 1951 while he was still in the service and Wini was attending nursing school in New York City.

After the army, Frank attended Columbia University, where he received a BS in Political Science; followed by a master's in International Relations at Penn.

The Dresslers started their family while living in Somerton, PA, and Frank worked for the Committee of Seventy in Philadelphia. When he later accepted a position with the Tocks Island Regional Advisory Council in the mid-1960's, the family moved to Stroudsburg, PA. Then in 1969, Frank made the move to Al Paul Lefton advertising agency and relocated the family again, this time to Swarthmore. Finally, in 1975, Frank became the President of the Better Business Bureau for Eastern Pennsylvania, where he remained until his retirement in 1995.

Family vacations were often spent visiting Frank's parents on their farm in the Poconos, then at their home in Florida; and one memorable summer was spent on a cross-country camping trip. For Frank & Wini's 50 ^th wedding anniversary, they hosted a cruise to Bermuda for the entire extended family. 5 years later they hosted a trip to Denmark to visit with Frank's father's family there. Frank had visited Denmark many times; It was always very important to him to stay connected to his Danish roots. Later anniversary vacations were spent in Myrtle Beach and on Cape Cod.

Retirement for Frank and Wini meant moving to their log home in upstate Pennsylvania, and then taking off for all parts of the world. Working through the U.S.A.I.D. they lived and worked in Russia, helping them attempt to rebuild as a democracy; this was followed by similar work for NGOs in Romania, Zimbabwe, Azerbaijan, Tbilisi, Sarajevo and Nepal. During their 71 years together, the Dresslers also visited many countries just for the joy of learning about the world.

Along with travel, Frank was an avid reader of history and mysteries. In retirement he penned a series of self-published mysteries, the first of which takes place in Swarthmore. His last book – Mr. K and the Super, chronicled his time as superintendent of their apartment building in NYC – with an entertaining cast of characters. In addition, Frank was an active member of the United Methodist Church, in Swarthmore and later in South Gibson. He continued his volunteerism in Susquehanna County. He loved bird watching, blueberry picking, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on his beloved Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. He was always looking forward, and always planning for the next thing.

Predeceased by his family of birth and his son-in-law, Michael Ferguson, Mr. Dressler is survived by his wife, Wini, of nearly 72 years; his children, Eric (Kay Fowler), Ann (Mike Ferguson), Polly (Paul Bech), and Frank (Judy McElroy). He was affectionately known as Pop Pop by his 7 grandchildren and 2 great-children.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Frank's honor may be directed to the South Gibson United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 60, South Gibson, PA 18842.

Arrangements: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
15 E. Fourth St. Media, PA 19063
www.haganfuneralhome.com