Frank Anthony Prybyla

Frank A. Prybyla, 88, was taken to his Heavenly home on May 22, 2008.  He was born on October 23, 1919 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the son of Stanley and Anna (Bedus) Prybyla. Frank attended public schools, graduating from Woonsocket High School in 1936.  A splendid athlete, he lettered in football, baseball and basketball.  He attended the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of New Haven, obtaining an Associates Degree from the latter in mechanical engineering. During World War II he served overseas with the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Captain prior to his release from active duty. Frank worked for 25 years at the Winchester Western Repeating Arms, Co. in New Haven, Connecticut as a designer of rifles and shotguns, becoming the inventor and patent assignee for several new modifications.  His working career concluded after 10 years with TRW Co., serving as an innovative firearms designer. Frank was a member of the Masonic Lodge AF&AM at Hamden, CT for more than 40 years. Frank married his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth L. Souler, on June 13, 1942.  They were members of the Hamden Plains United Methodist Church in Hamden, CT, serving together in ministries for over 41 years. Frank is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Betty); children, David and Janet Prybyla, of Winter Springs, Florida, Frank A. Prybyla, Jr., of Park City Utah, and Margaret and Gerald Watt, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; grandchildren, Dr. David Jason Prybyla, of Holden, MA, Joshua Nathan Prybyla, of Boston, Mass., and Brit Evan Ullrich, of Denver, Colorado; great grandchildren, Zachary and Alexis Prybyla; sister, Anna Prybyla of Woodbury, New Jersey.