Frank Ellinger

Frank Harlen Ellinger was born May 22, 1931 in Oroville, CA and was raised in San Francisco. He grew up in Cole Valley and was a 1948 graduate of Polytechnic High School, where he was the equipment manager for the football team, featuring future hall-of-famer Bob St. Clair and his good friend Dud Fry. He attended San Francisco State, where he earned Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and a Masters in Administration and Counseling. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army 1st Infantry, stationed in Germany. In his off-duty hours, he coached football and learned the game of soccer.

After his military service, he was employed by the San Francisco Unified School District, starting at Pelton Jr. High School, and transferring to George Washington High School in 1962, where he taught Physical Education. His soccer, swimming and golf teams won numerous city and state titles. He officiated high school and junior college football for many years. He was a member of the George Washington High School Athletic Hall of Fame, the San Francisco Prep Hall of Fame, California Coaches Association, and the North Bay Officials Association, as well as “The Venerables” and “Silver Eagles” luncheon groups. He was a 58 year member of the Masonic Brotherhood, Phoenix Lodge No. 144.

He met his wife Barbara, a Pan-American flight attendant, in 1957, and they were together for 62 years. He resided in San Anselmo, where he enjoyed puttering in the yard and tending to his fruit trees.

He was predeceased by his mother, Trudy and father John, and is survived by his wife, Barbara and son Chris (Karen); his brother Gene (Sandy), nephew Gary, and niece Kirsten.

He coached and mentored generations of students, teachers, and colleagues over six decades, and continued to be a friend and mentor until his passing.

Donations preferred to the Salesian Boys and Girls Club of San Francisco. www.salesianclub.org There will be no services. His ashes will be spread at the Golden Gate.