Francesco "Frank" Rio, age 99, of Ardsley, formerly of Germantown, passed away on August 25, 2025, at his home. Frank was born in Philadelphia on June 17, 1926.

Frank was a graduate of Dobbins Technical High School ('42) and worked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard ('42 - '44) before enlisting in the United States Army and serving his country during World War II. Frank and his brother Pete established Rio Brothers Auto Body in 1947, and that passion for cars would eventually thrust Rio into the auto racing world. Frank married his beloved wife, Jennie, in 1951, and the two were inseparable for over 71 years before her passing in 2022. "Pop's" profound love of family extended to everyone he knew, and that included his racing family. Seen on local raceways for decades, the legendary Rio Brothers car, the R10, helped Frank create memories with race track friends who ultimately became more like extended family.

Frank S. was pre-deceased by his wife of 71 years, Jennie (nee: Baldino); loving father of Virginia "Ginger" Swist, Frank (Lois) Rio, and Deborah (Fred) Rahmer; dear brother of the late Pietro, Joseph, Angelina, and Carmella Rio; beloved grandfather of Frank (Gina) Rio, Jennifer (Robert) Langner, Susan Swist, Brandon (Rebecca) Rahmer, Francesca (Jonathan) Lubrano, and Freddie (Arynne) Rahmer; beloved great-grandfather of Frank M. Rio, Evelyn Lou Rio, Robert Langner, Valerie Langner, Christopher Rose, and Jackson Lubrano.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 9:15 to 11:00 am., followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 am., at the Queen of Peace Church, 820 North Hills Avenue, Ardsley, PA  19038. Interment and Military Honors will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank's memory can be made to the Checkered Flag Fan Club, P.O. Box 79, Kutztown, PA  19530.