Franklin J. Frontera

Franklin J. Frontera, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Maspeth Federal Savings Bank for 31 years, passed away on Saturday December 1 at his home in Palm Springs, Florida.
Frontera was 94 years old and a third generation resident of Maspeth.
In his early career, he was an editor and publisher of the Queens Ledger and operated Frontera Liquors on 69th Street.
When Maspeth Federal Savings was chartered in 1947, Frontera immediately got involved on the Board of Directors.
He became President in 1957 and served as Chairman from 1976 until his death.
He firmly believed that the bank should immediately serve its surroundings.
He said, “The Maspeth people entrust their hard earned savings to us and the bank should invest that money in home mortgages within the community.”
Ken Rudzewick, President of Maspeth Federal Savings, said that Frontera was “a man of vision and integrity [who] will be hard to replace in this day and age.”
For this reason, Frontera’s name will soon be added to the “Maspeth Walk of Honor” located outside Maspeth Veterans Square.
Frontera’s favorite charity was Maspeth Town Hall — a vibrant community center open 24 hours a day. Its active programming is largely due to contributors like Maspeth Federal Savings.
Frontera is survived by his two children, Marilyn and Frank. Interment was at Mount Olivet Cemetery.