Frank John Pinn

Frank John Pinn of Tierra Verde, FL, passed away: May 5th, 2026, Born on the South Side of Chicago, Frank’s life was defined by resilience, excellence, and a deep devotion to family. After the early loss of his father, Frank J. Pinn, he was raised by his mother, Henrietta Mary Pinn (Krause), alongside his twin sisters, Marilyn and Judy. Growing up, Marilyn and Judy looked up to Frank as a father figure, a role he embraced with the same strength and protective spirit he carried throughout his life. A legendary figure in Chicago sports, Frank attended Mount Carmel High School, where he was a High School All-American and led the "Caravan" to three consecutive Prep Bowl championships (1950–52). Named the 1952 Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year, Frank held numerous Mount Carmel rushing records for over 50 years and was recently voted #3 on the list of Greatest Mount Carmel Athletes of All Time. His legacy remains immortalized in both the Mount Carmel and Chicago Catholic League Halls of Fame. An all-around athlete, Frank was also a Silver Skates speed skating winner. He continued his football career at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Dayton, later playing professionally for the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL. Beyond his athletic and 34-year professional career at USF&G Insurance, Frank was a gifted mentor and the ultimate "life of the party." He and his wife Barbara shared a passion for adventure, serving together on the National Ski Patrol for many years and skiing the mountains of Colorado. Frank was a true outdoorsman who loved snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing for salmon off the back of "The Pinnacle," the family trawler docked at Burnham Harbor. He led his family on many adventurous trips from the Chicago docks to the waters of Northern Michigan, living a life full of exploration. Frank took great joy in passing on his skills, teaching his son, Frank, and countless cousins and friends how to master both snow and water skiing. Following a lifetime of hard work and adventure, Frank and Barb moved to Tierra Verde, Florida. In retirement, he traded the lake for the gulf, enjoying quiet walks out on Shell Island and the beauty of the many Florida sunsets. He loved watching the dolphins and spent many afternoons creating magic for his grandchildren, quietly dropping sand dollars in the sand ahead of them just so he could watch the joy on their faces when they "found" them. Frank’s greatest pride was his 60-year marriage to his wife, Barbara Pinn. He was the devoted father of Frank (Liz) Pinn and the proud "Grandpa" to Mary, Frank, and John Pinn. Along with his immediate family, Frank was part of a large, loving extended family including the Griffin and Brice families, followed by the Doody and Hamer (Barbara’s family), and the Majewski (Liz’s family) lineages. He is survived by his sister, Judy Brice. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank J. Pinn; his mother, Henrietta Mary Pinn (Krause); his sister, Marilyn Griffin; and his infant brother, John Jude Pinn ("Jackie Boy") Services will be announced at a later date. In honor of Frank’s legacy, the family suggests donations to the Mount Carmel High School Educational Foundation. Please include the note “In Honor of Frank Pinn” in the memo section. Online Donations: Mount Carmel Adaptive Donor Form By Mail: Make checks payable to Mount Carmel (with “In Honor of Frank Pinn” in the memo) and mail to: Mount Carmel HS Development Department 6410 S Dante Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643 Required Minimum Distributions (RMD): Donors may use MCHS EIN # 36-2171161. https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/adaptive-donor-form/?formId=fa939f07-7759-413f-8c47-b1ef14eb9e75&envid=p-b3BjVV2zQkaYZQgIhjIXGw&zone=usa Mount Carmel High School Educational Foundation.

Frank John Pinn

July 18, 1934 - May 5, 2026