Frank Margiotti of Lansdale, PA, passed away on January 21, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on April 19, 1935, in South Philly, Frank arrived loud and pretty much stayed that way.
Frank lived life loudly, confidently, and entirely on his own terms. A high school dropout by circumstance—but never by intelligence—he joined the U.S. Army and became a Paratrooper, because jumping out of airplanes seemed like a reasonable next step. Discipline met determination, and neither ever left him. He rose to the rank of Sergeant in just 18 short months, mostly because people naturally listened when Frank spoke… whether they wanted to or not.
After his military service, Frank went to hairdressing school and went on to open and run several successful salons—because if you’re going to work hard, you might as well do it with a captive audience.
A visit to Frank’s barber chair included a great haircut, a show tune (usually Sinatra), strong political opinions, and advice you didn’t ask for but somehow needed. His customers were fiercely loyal—not just because he was talented, but because once you were in the chair, you weren’t leaving until Frank finished talking… or singing.
Frank worked tirelessly for his wife and children. He was devoted to his wife, Maryjane (Ibbotson) Margiotti, his favorite beach companion. He loved nothing more than sitting on the Strathmere beach with Maryjane, watching the waves and enjoying a quiet moment—well, as quiet as Frank could be. The unsung hero in this story, Maryjane, with 66 faithful years by his side, is paving her own golden path to heaven we lovingly call “Maryjane Lane”. Her loyalty and devotion is noticed by everyone who knew them.
Frank was the proud father of four children—Marie, Frank, Vince, and Denise—and the equally proud Grandpop of eight grandchildren. All knew him as a man with big opinions, a big voice, and an even bigger belly.
Frank Margiotti was truly one of a kind—a provider, a performer, a protector, and a character in the very best sense of the word. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, a legacy built on hard work, and a world that is just a little quieter… though still somehow echoing with Sinatra.
“He did it his way.”
P.S. if you are the proud owner of a circa 1990’s Frank Margiotti Original Karaoke Cassette tape, please return to Maryjane at your earliest convenience. No judgement.
I met Frank through my father, Henry. They became fast friends with so much in common. They were both born in South Philly. After their military service, they became successful hair stylists, not only because they could cut hair, but also because they had huge personalities that customers loved. They worked hard to support their families. They brought their version of the Rat Pack to the suburbs, singing, dancing, and telling jokes to anyone who’d listen. Whenever I saw Frank, he inevitably put a big smile on my face with his enthusiasm for life, tremendous optimism, and wonderful personality. Frank was truly one of a kind and will be missed on this Earth. I’m sure he and Henry and entertaining in Heaven. Rest in peace. My family and I send our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the Margiotti family for their loss.
I met Frank at the Abington YMCA in 1970 and soon there after became a client. In those days guys had to enter the shop through a backdoor to a small room so the ladies wouldn’t get upset
Even though I was in high school at the time Frank never spoke to me as a kid. I appreciated and looked forward to his banter while in the chair.
Frank and my dad were friends through the Y and sometimes shared a cocktail or 2 at the Elbow Room in Roslyn
You meet a lot of people in life, damn happy I met Frank.
Rest in Peace Frank.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Mr. Margiotti was such a special man. I hope your memories of him provide you with comfort!❤️
My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Although I grew up calling him Uncle Frankie, he was my brother-in-law Dominic’s brother. I spent my young childhood with Frank and his sister’s kids playing at Nanny and grandpop’s house in Cherry Hill.
Marie, Stevie and I spent lots of Sundays together!
Frankie was always bigger than life, loud and funny. Always a family man!
My youth was made joyful by the warmth and love of Frank and his family.
Rest in Peace.
Frank was one in a million. He was a great friend to my late husband Danny and myself for many years. I never got to thank Frank for taking voice lessons with me in 1997 after my vocal chord surgery and i never got to thank him for showing Danny and I around Upper Dublin once we moved there, so here it is – Frank, thanks for being there for us – i have great memories with you and Maryjane. Rest in peace my friend.🙏 Donna DiFrancesco DePaul
My deepest sympathy to the family of Uncle Frank. I always enjoyed his company at the shore. Loved listening to his stories, we always had a laugh & always such a gracious man. I have missed him the past few years at the shore. May he RIP God Bless
I will forever remember our battles on the basketball court (sky hook) and on the checker board (double jump champ). Rest in peace Big Frank 🙏
He was born in South Philadelphia and moved to Germantown because his stern father told him, “If I didn’t, you would have been a gangster, like your 2 uncles” He knew his address on Lena Street up to the Friday before he passed. He joined the paratroopers with his friends in 1954 and routinely marched with the 11th Airborne troops for 2 or 5 dollars he negotiated from other sergeants. He likely still has those 5-dollar bills today. He used the GI Bill to get his license to cut hair, opened his first shop in Germantown on Wayne Avenue, and moved his shop in 1968 to Roslyn, where his dear wife, MaryJane, found a place on Easton Rd, and he operated until 1994. He loved entertainment, both at his shop with his captured, some say trapped, audience, which gave him the confidence to co-star in local productions like Lil Abner, Oklahoma, and Guys and Dolls. His children can still remember the songs and the lines where we were drafted to rehearse with him. He played golf with all his Germantown friends, typically showing up at the 2nd or 3rd tee, running “late,” and commenting that he would settle up with the pro shop later. His dear friend Pat Bressi would laugh and nod and sometimes remind him to settle up or at least buy lunch! He was proud of shooting in the 70s and his hole-in-one, which he displayed with a trophy and a signed scorecard at his shop. He loved his wife dearly, and because of her love for the beach, he bought a place in Somers Point, NJ, in 1975, where we all fondly remember our youthful summers around Ocean City. I’m sure his children, especially Denise Frank and Vince, as Marie was working with him at his shop, recall the freedom we had with our mom until later Saturday, when we “heard’ the stones in the drivewa, our shoulders dropped, we knew the party was over, and the next morning, we were “Shanghaied” as crew members to his lake boat, Crestliner. We never ate so much flounder. He loved all his children dearly, and in his own way, to say he loved the limelight would be the greatest understatement. He was the first to support you and let you know, “If you have a big cannon, fire it,” but in fits of frustration, as all fathers sometimes have, he would also tell us, especially his sons, “If you had a brain, you would be dangerous.” He would let you know he could sing. I mean, he had a karaoke machine, so that means you can sing right?! His patrons at his shop, with wet hair and capes draped on them, while he held his comb and scissors in his hand, when asked if he sounded good, would all unanimously say yes! In all these parts, father, husband, actor, paratrooper, businessman, he played himself, Frank Margiotti. He even had his name tattooed on his arm lest he or someone forget who he was! And I think we can all agree, when you get to heaven and see him at his shop or the “2nd of tee,” just ask him, and he will tell you, he played a great Frank Margiotti!!
Beautiful tribute for a great guy and beautiful soul. Your father and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
The announcement of my Uncle Frank’s passing captures him perfectly. In his prime, he truly was a “force of nature” that quickly switched to “on” in front of any camera or audience. I fondly recall playing with my cousins outside our grandparent’s home before “Sunday dinner” and the first adult to come out and play with us was always Uncle Frank! A savvy business man, loyal friend, and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he was in simplest terms….”a good man”. Rest in Peace, Uncle….
Truly one of the best friends. We haven’t seen him in awhile but we kept in touch with Maryjane to let her know she was not alone. He’s in the Lord’s embrace.