Francis "Frank" Edward Smoczynski
 October 16, 1934 - January 29, 2021 Frank Smoczynski was a visionary, a pioneer, and an entrepreneur. Francis, (Frank) Smoczynski, 86, of St. Charles, Illinois died on Friday, January 29, 2021. He was born in Chicago on October 16, 1934, and graduated from Carl Schurz High School. Frank and his wife Beverly were high school sweethearts, and were married on November 26, 1954, right before Frank left to serve in the U.S. Army in Germany. Much of his work there involved photography and graphic design for the 5th Loudspeaker and Leaflet Company. When he left the service, Frank held a series of management positions where he learned more about printing and the new methods related to printing on plastic. Frank worked on the first American Express and Diners Club cards ever produced. In 1965, after becoming an expert in all aspects of the plastics field, and after much prayer and a second mortgage on their home, Frank and Beverly decided they were ready—and eager—to establish their own business, Perfect Plastic Printing. Frank was the definition of a self-made man. Neither he nor Beverly attended college, but that didn’t stop them from taking risks, working hard, and ultimately building an iconic American company that continues to maintain growth and relevance as it thrives in the competitive payments industry. What started in Frank and Beverly’s garage is now one of the single largest payment card manufacturers in the world. While many will remember Frank for his contributions to the payment card industry, those who know him best might argue that Frank’s Catholic faith, his devotion to our Lady of Guadalupe, and his service to The Queen of the Americas Guild was at least equally important to him. For more than 40 years, Frank demonstrated tremendous faith in Our Lady of Guadalupe, promoting awareness of her miraculous image throughout the United States. He moved the headquarters of The Queen of Americas Guild into the offices of Perfect Plastic Printing and provided staffing to promote its mission. For many years, Frank and Beverly took annual trips to the Basilica in Mexico City, guiding groups of pilgrims to honor Our Lady and see her miraculous image at the Basilica. Frank and Beverly dedicated Perfect Plastic Printing to Our Lady of Guadalupe as the patron saint of the company and attributed God’s grace through Her as the source of the business’s longevity and success. Frank is survived by his three children, Matthew Smoczynski (Suzanne), Elisa Smoczynski, and Christopher Smoczynski (Mary); siblings Richard (Carol – deceased), Florian (Louise), Terry – deceased (Penny – deceased), Maureen (John – deceased), Marilyn (Don-deceased), Gay (Steve); six grandchildren, Merri Chocola (Adam), Ryan, Hannah, Isabel, Maggie, and Amelia Smoczynski: and one great-grandchild, Mason, and one great-grandchild on the way; and many nieces and nephews. He was a loving husband and father and source of unending support to his extended family. Frank and Beverly were known for their generosity with friends and family and their work family at Perfect Plastic Printing. A family only visitation will be held on Wednesday February 3, 2021 at Moss Family Funeral Home St Charles 100 S. 3rd Street from 8AM-10AM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church 400 Cedar Street also in St. Charles. Interment will take place at Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org/donate Arrangements entrusted to Moss Family Funeral Home St. Charles 630-584-2000 or www.mossfuneral.com “Years ago, when I was working in the photography dark room,” Frank said, “I prayed to God that he wouldn’t give me a job that was boring. There’s a saying that you should be careful what you ask for because you might get it. Well, I haven’t been bored for one minute since.” |
