James Richard Frawley
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Dick Frawley might not have been born with a wrench in his hand but he picked one up at an early age. Then set it down, assuming he would go to college and grad school to become a veterinarian. The selective service lottery interfered, when, in true luck-of-the-Irish fashion, he drew number four. That assured that the Department of Defense would take over his education. He selected Naval Aviation and went off to learn about flying P3 airplanes. While stationed in Brunswick, Maine he frequented the officers’ club, which resulted in his marrying the bartender.
From there it was to Villanova University to teach ROTC and get his Masters Degree in bio-chem (still planning to care for animals). When he heard from the friend of a friend about an old car in a back garage – a 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25, coachwork by Mann-Egerton – his focus shifted. By the time he had finished active duty, his Rolls-Royce hobby had morphed into a business. He retired from the Navy as a Commander, founded The Frawley Company and moved it to Parkesburg, Pennsylvania.
Over the decades he has worked on more than three hundred Rolls-Royce and Bentley moutorcars, one Riley, one Hispano-Suiza and two Alvis. And for almost as many owners, who began as customers and ended up "family," along side the vendors who made each car a communal project and each day an adventure. In business he had two aims: to restore the cars to running their very best and to treat customers as he would wish to be treated.
He was a life member of the RROC and served as Chairman and Treasurer of the Keystone Region. For the club he conducted scores of seminars, both local and national, and wrote the definitive article on re-wiring a pre-war car (in brief, assume it will take four times longer than you think). His dream of helping animals was realized in the dozens of stray cats who wandered into the shop. He is survived by his wife, Judith Skillings, the cats that stayed and all the cars still running.
Condolences
Deepest Sympathy
What a beautiful tribute. I passed the business many times, and felt blessed that Mr. Frawley chose Parkesburg for his unique business. Prayers for your family.
Our condolences for your loss
Our condolences for your loss. Always enjoyed talking with him as we share the same passion for caring for the same cars.
Dick was always very helpful with parts and services needed in our business, never hesitating helpful advice. He will surely be missed.
Dick was a great guy, helped
Dick was a great guy, helped me with my Rolls Royce Shadow, last year Stan rebuilt my ignition switch, got much advice over phone on what to do with repair from Dick, sorry for your loss, heaven has new angel.:):
Sorry
We've only just learned of Dick's passing and are so very sorry to hear such sad news. Although we have not been as active with the Rolls-Royce Owners Club the past several years, we did keep up through publications as to what was going on. Through all the years that we knew Dick & Judith we always looked forward to seeing them at National events. Sad there will one fewer smiling face. Our thoughts and prayers to the many friends and family who knew and loved Dick.
Debbie & Bill Habacker Frisco, Texas
From Les Schaevitz
Judith-- I have been out of the hobby for a few years and lost touch
with everybody. Just found out about Dick and was floored. I simply
cannot believe it and will miss him intensely. My wishes are with you
as you go on without him but life will never be the same.
Les Schaevitz
So sorry
I just learned of Dick's passing. Met him around 1989 as he did some work for Ricky on the Dvae Milling's SS100, another car he had a hand in. And then at least once a year we would see you all at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, though I have not been back much since my wife died. I will miss Dick
So sorry
I just now found out about Mr. Frawley's passing. I enjoyed caring for the kitties over the years.
Dear Judith;
Just learned of Dick's passing today. He was a memorable and significant part of my Navy career. So very sorry to hear of his passing.
A little late in Seeing this...
Hello Judith and all of Dick's friends. My name is Ted Tenthoff and my father was friends of Judith and Richard (as I knew him). I had the honor and pleasure of working with Richard in his shop during college. I mostly mowed the lawn and cleaned engines (with q-tips). I fondly remember Richard's passion for the cars and his work. Reading above I do remember the cats. He was an incredibly kind, intelligent and thoughtful man. We always paused for tea and he even let me chose the CD's, which included George Harrison, Jimmu Hendrix, and the like. I remember mowing the lawn and dreaming of owning one of those amazing cars. God bless you Richard and thank you for the fond memories. Ted Tenthoff
Belated Condolences/Remembrance
I was planning a long-distance drive to Dick Frawley’s shop when I learned of his untimely departure. LT Frawley was my NROTC instructor for Navigation during my junior year at Villanova. He was instrumental in networking me into an exchange cruise with the Canadian Forces Navy in 1976. As a Naval Aviator, he also cemented my decision to head to Pensacola as a boot ensign. I later ran into him at the ASW Operations Center in Sigonella, Sicily in 1987. Dick was a drilling reservist by then, who told me he was in the pre-war Bentley/RR business as his “day job.” My lifelong participation in British sports car club activity is what led me to look him up in 2016. The person I knew as LT Frawley was an inspiration to me and many of my Navy/Marine Corps shipmates. Judith, you are remembered as “Mrs. Frawley” to we former Midshipmen. But you always said to call you Judith. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Best regards, Mark D