Frank J. Kishel has been an active Rotarian, having started a youth mentoring program, installed Little
Free Libraries, anchored the RCY bowling team, and led the club as president. Read on to learn more
about Frank, including some of his work travel experiences in remote parts of the western U.S.
Free Libraries, anchored the RCY bowling team, and led the club as president. Read on to learn more
about Frank, including some of his work travel experiences in remote parts of the western U.S.
Name: Frank J. Kishel
Years in Rotary: 29
Resident of: Boardman
Hometown: Aliquippa, PA
What brought you here, or kept you here? Attending Youngstown State University
Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Occupation: Certified home inspector.
Who is in your family circle? Wife, Theresa; daughter, Christen; son, Stephen; stepdaughter, Jennifer
Lewis; two sons-in-law; one daughter-in-law; four grandchildren; one great grandson.
When you are not working, how do you like to spend your time? Woodworking, biking, bowling,
working in our yard, traveling, visiting wineries.
Why did you join Rotary? I was asked by a former Rotarian, George Seiders, to join. Having belonged to
a service fraternity in college, I realized the importance of service to the community where I reside.
Why do you remain a Rotarian? Because of the work Youngstown Rotary has done in the years before
me and during my time as a Rotarian. Also, the camaraderie of fellow Rotarians. I made a lot of friends.
Each member helps other members in any way they can.
Which Rotary Project resonates with you and your understanding of our community's needs? When
Carol Sherman and I started the "Put Kids First" mentoring program, I felt the true impact of being a
Rotarian and service to the community in helping inner-city children understand that there is a better
life out there for everyone to enjoy.
What does Rotary's motto "Service Above Self" mean to you? To serve the community to hopefully
make life better for all.
make life better for all.
What would you be doing on Wednesdays if you didn't attend the weekly luncheon meeting?
Probably working in the yard or my workshop.
Probably working in the yard or my workshop.
Which type of Rotary socials do you prefer - black tie affairs or casual attire? I enjoy both.
A Rotary tradition is to have sing-alongs during meetings. Would you ever lead us in a song? You have
to be kidding!
What do you think of Scott Schulick's Rotary pants, and would you wear a pair? Why not? Of course,
only in my house!
What's a story of yours that you don't get to tell often enough? I lived in Colorado for eight years while
I worked for a window replacement company. Work travel throughout seven western states provided
me with many experiences.
I was at a customer's house in Olive, MT. I drove in from the north and was out in the prairie. I asked
the client where the town was located. He told me to go to the end of his driveway (which was about
3/4 mile long), turn left (south), drive about 6 miles and look for a building the size of a two-car garage.
That was the post office, and that was Olive. No other buildings. The entire town had 250 people.
One time I was in Ranchester, WY, and had to drive to Powell, WY, which was a 110-mile trip over the
Big Horn Mountain area – during winter, at night, with snow on the ground. I saw only one car, coming
from the opposite direction, on my way to Powell. I wondered later what would have happened if my
vehicle had broken down.
In my travels I did see many historic places and parks. I saw Mount Rushmore, drove through
Yellowstone (was working at the time and got paid for it), and spent time in the ski resorts of Colorado
(Aspen, Vail).