Frank A. Akpadock 1956-2025

He was born Dec. 20, 1956, in Ikot Akpa Edung of Ibesikpo-Asutan (LGA), Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, to Chief Andrew Akpan Akpadock and Arit Akpaidem.

Dr. Frank attended St. Augustine Catholic Primary School in Ikot Ebre and Holy Family College Secondary School in Abak, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

A self-proclaimed “forever student,” he emigrated to the United States on a scholarship to pursue higher education. He attained a bachelor’s degree in geology and a master’s degree in city and regional planning from California State University, Fresno. He then went on to receive an additional master’s degree in urban studies from Portland State University, and one year later, earned his doctorate in regional sciences from Texas A&M University, College Station.

Dr. Frank settled in the Mahoning Valley and began his career as a senior research economist and regional scientist for the Center for Urban and Regional Studies at Youngstown State University.

During his nearly 30-year tenure, he worked with many public leaders, including former U.S. Representative Jim Traficant and then Mayor Pat Ungaro, provided technical research work to private and public industries, and published numerous peer-reviewed articles, impact studies, as well as a book, “City In Transition: Strategies for Economic Regeneration of Inner-City Communities: The Case of Youngstown, Ohio” which chronicled the economic challenges of Youngstown and the strategies taken to recover, stabilize and revive the city.

As a staunch Catholic, Dr. Frank relied heavily on his faith. He was a lector, choir member, and took pleasure in decorating the church with his family and others during the Christmas season.

With his wife of almost two decades, Jessie Bassey Akpadock, they built a life together rooted in faith, love, devotion and sharing countless moments of joy and prayer. He also enjoyed hosting and attending social gatherings, celebrating the milestones of his children and friends, and watching a good match of tennis.

Dr. Frank is survived by his wife, Jessie Akpadock; his daughters, Evelyn (Larry) Garchar and Mary Akpadock, both of Pittsburgh; Cynthia Akpadock of Akron; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

The family will receive relatives and friends 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, at St. Edward Parish, 240 Tod Lane in Youngstown.

A funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m., with interment in Calvary Cemetery, 248 S. Belle Vista Ave. in Youngstown, immediately after.

A reception will be held in the Vincentian Hall of St. Edward Parish, 1 to 4 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman.

Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support via phone call, text or email or you may visit the Book of Memories at ww.rossifunerals.com.

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