Frank Ziede, age 95, died August 15, 2018 at his home in Mesa with his family. Born June 13, 1923 in El Paso, TX and was brought to Arizona by his parents where he attended school until he graduated from Superior High School. He joined the Army in 1943. After his basic training he volunteered for a special assignment and was sent to Burma, where he became a Ranger with Merrill’s Marauders in WWII. After he was discharged he returned to Arizona and went to work learning the retail grocery business. Shortly after that he was given the opportunity to open his own grocery store in Scottsdale. Later, he went on to open a wholesale produce company in Phoenix and a couple of years later he added frozen and grocery items to his line of products. He was the first to start the processed foods business in Arizona. His business serviced schools, hospitals, and restaurants in the Valley. At the age of 70 he opened a Mexican food restaurant in Mesa, “Frankie Z’s”
Frank was known for his generous nature, fun loving spirit, and card games. He never met a stranger or a day of hard work he didn’t love and always provided for his family.
He is survived by his wife Ann Ziede, his sister Mary Purnell, children Randy Ziede, Lisa Bryan (Greg), and Linda Chance (Conny). He has 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son Jack Ziede. Services will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 7655 E. Main Street in Scottsdale on Monday, August 20, 2018. A Visitation from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. with the Funeral Mass beginning at 10:30 A.M. There will be a mercy lunch immediately following the Mass at the Church hall. Interment will be at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to Hospice of the Valley and/or The Alzheimer’s Foundation.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Dave Sweet
While I never met Frank, I know his grandson (Frank) well. That Frank is one of the finest human beings I’ve ever known. So Grandpa’s legacy lives on in an extraordinary young man.
May God give peace and hope to all.
Susan M Romley Moranz
To Ann and family,
I send my heartfelt condolences and love to all. Uncle Frank truly loved life, family, friends and a card game or two.
His smile and laughter brightened up a room like no other. I have so many wonderful memories of him that I will cherish forever.
May Uncle Frank’s memory be eternal.
.
Bryan Siegfried
My condolences to all of you in this time of sorrow. May Frank rest in peace.
Trish Traaen
Sending my regards and condolence, for Frank and family. A very good man! Love and sympathy to you all..
Rachel Beaudet-Lambert
My deepest sympathies to Lisa and family. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be.
Sending love,
Rachel Beaudet-Lambert
Frances L. Fry
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Frank was so dynamic and full of life. I will always remember him that way. He certainly went the distance. Most will not have 95 years! Peace be with you all. Much love, Frances Fry
Jim Hamra
He was the rarest of men; a titan.
Steve and Nana Johnson
Our love and prayers are with your family .
Alexander Malkoon
The History of the Lebanese American Community in Arizona is written within the life of Frank Ziede. My life, my identity, as a young American Man of Lebanese decent in the 1960’s onward were shaped and influenced by a lifetime of interactions with him over 6 decades. He is owed tremendous gratitude for all his efforts in building a stronger Community that honored both his parents heritage and the American values he served. God be with you Ann and family, and thank you for sharing Frank with all of us.
Steve and Joanne brown
So glad we were able to come to this.
We drove down from Flagstaff and back right after
Everyone that worked on the service did a super job
John and Barbara
Lisa and Family
So Sorry for your Loss .
Memories of Frank. His Smile , The Love of Food Laughter and Fun! He was a great man that left a legacy!
Love Hugs and Prayers to your Family!
John and Barbara Klasic
Edward and Helene Abraham
Frank was such a dynamic character and so instrumental in the development and success of the Lebanese community and its socialization for so many decades here in Phoenix. My father, Najeeb, and grandfather Nahoum both knew him well and interacted with him as far back as the 1940’s. We often chuckled at the infamous”poker club” which my Dad attended for so many years with Frank and “the boys”. Frank will be greatly missed and we extend our sympathies to Ann and Mary and the family.
Our love to you all,
Edward and Helene Abraham