IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Frank J.

Frank J. Brigidi Jr. Profile Photo

Brigidi Jr.

Nov 8, 1935 — Apr 27, 2025

Obituary

Frank J. Brigidi, Jr., age 89, of Huntingdon Valley and recently Warrington, PA, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, just 6 months shy of his 90th birthday.

Born on November 8, 1935, in Philadelphia, Frank was the beloved son of the late Frank Sr. and Marian Brigidi (nee Paoline). He was the husband to his late wife, Josephine (nee Franks), who passed away 2 years ago. Together, they shared nearly 65 years of marriage, having met and graduated from Dobbins High School together.

Frank is survived by his sister Claudia Smolda (Wayne), and was predeceased by his late siblings, Loretta Brigidi and Richard Brigidi. He was the proud father of 4 children: Frank Brigidi, III (Mary), Debbie Melchiorre (Jack), Anthony Brigidi (Karen) and Greg Brigidi (Stephanie). He loved his grandchildren: John Melchiorre (Ashley), Frank Brigidi, Ariana (Brigidi) Marett (Owen), Alyssa Brigidi, Anthony Brigidi, Maria Brigidi, Christina Melchiorre, Dominic Melchiorre, Joseph Brigidi and Sophia Brigidi. He also leaves behind his great-grandson, Lucas Melchiorre who he adored.

Frank's roots were firmly planted in Philadelphia, where his family lived in East Germantown and West Oak Lane. Following in his father's footsteps, Frank became an integral part of his father's automotive shop in West Oak Lane. With hard work and determination, he expanded the business to include a collision repair center, eventually creating Collex Collision Experts. Under his visionary leadership, Collex grew to 127 franchised centers across 27 states revolutionizing the auto repair industry and improving the consumer experience after the stressful and inconvenient experience of a traffic accident.

A true pioneer in the field, Frank was known for modernizing the body shop industry, and many of his colleagues later followed in his footsteps, building successful businesses modeled after the principles he instilled. Over the years, Frank became friends with notable figures, including the late Mayor Frank Rizzo and world heavyweight champion, Joe Frazier.

Frank was a man of many passions. He loved the Poconos, where he enjoyed snowmobiling, and he was an avid golfer, spending many enjoyable hours with friends at Cedarbrook Country Club and then North Hills Country Club. Music was at the core of his soul, growing up in a family of musicians and singers. In his early years, he played the accordion in a string band and later enjoyed the piano until his final days. His extensive music collection was a source of joy and he loved to sing along, sharing his love for music with everyone around him.

Known for his strength, both physical and emotional, Frank faced life's challenges with bravery, especially in recent years while battling health issues. His unwavering positivity, sense of humor, and charisma were evident until the very end. Frank's stories, wisdom, and optimism brightened the lives of those around him, and he had a special way of making others feel better about themselves with his encouragement and compliments.

Frank will be remembered for his boundless energy, love of music, and his infectious jokes. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A private family service will be held in June, with Frank being interred at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery on Cheltenham Ave in Philadelphia.

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