Unearthing The Undead 19 - FRANK STANKIEWICZ

Frank Stankiewicz played a ghoul in "Night of the Living Dead".  He can be seen in the famous shot of the bathrobe ghoul stumbling backwards after being hit in the face on the back porch, as well as when Ben lights the ghoul on fire.

Frank at the time was employed by Massey Imports as a Buick salesman.  He also knew John McCormick, Colin Fitch (who also were in the back porch group), and Al Pankopf, who also was also a car salesman, as was John McCormick.  

As a young man, he worked for Max Hoffman in NYC, the original importer of Porsche, VW and Mercedes. John, Al and Frank were all apart of the "Washington County Air Force", which seems to be an informal group of pilots and aviation enthusiasts.  Frank got his pilots license

in 1960 and was also an expert kite flyer.

In the late 70's, Frank moved from Pittsburgh to Fort Myers, FL where he continued to work as a Buick salesman, as well as flying out of Page Field.

Frank was an active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 66 in Fort Myers.  Flying actively, even up to a few days before his passing.  As a tribute, a group of pilots flew their airplanes in formation over Lee County to honor him.

"So as a tribute, they've honored this over time for funerals; we do a missing man, we'll be in formation, and right before we land, we'll have number 2 break away, and there will be a hole in the formation as a tribute to Frank," said Curt Hosterman.

Frank V. Stankiewicz: Sept 24, 1934 - Dec 31, 2023

Researched and compiled by John Vullo

Text and photos © Image Ten, Inc.

If you know of any family, friends or acquaintances that appeared as extras in the original Night of the Living Dead, please contact John Vullo at jmv3683@gmail.com

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