Tag Archives: Birthday in Heaven

Frank Kutnicki, of Blessed Memory; An Angel on Earth, Celebrating A Milestone Birthday in Heaven

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By Adina Kutnicki

Image result for pics of a life well lived is a precious gift

Seventy years ago, July 31, 1953, a 9 lb. 12 oz. angel was placed on earth.
Frank Kutnicki (of blessed memory) was born in Washington Heights (the upper west side of NYC) to Valeria and Solomon (of blessed memory), the 3rd son of Holocaust survivors.
Described by all as the ‘peace-maker’ among a household of rough and tumble boys (with a younger sister rounding out the sibling mix), he grew into a handsome, strapping 6’2 1/2 in. ‘gentle giant.’
Smart as a whip, his educational success commenced with admission to the nationwide, acclaimed Stuyvesant High School, in Manhattan – having graduated with high honors, in 1971.
Despite a financially-strapped childhood, he was determined to make the most of the gifts bestowed by G-d – and that meant achieving the best education possible. To said end, through a diligent work ethic, patience, and much perseverance, he achieved his professional goal; the owner of a successful CPA Corporate Tax Practice.
But the above was a means to an end. Most significantly, his ultimate goal was to be able to provide for his 2 sons that which would enable them to achieve their dreams. He more than succeeded in his ‘mission.’
Above all else, I was blessed to spend 32 years with a most humble and descent man – whose presence enriched all those who were fortunate enough to be in his joyful orbit. He was a person who always treated others with kindness and respect – he didn’t distinguish between the delivery man to the wealthiest client.
At its base, his uplifting outlook and booming laughter still resonates in my heart and mind’s eye. Ever so gently, he softened my sharp edges. Simply put, he made me a more compassionate person. He uplifted me. He quietly walks beside me every day, strengthening me, so that I can continue living a life filled with love.
Though taken from this earth much too soon, my hope and prayer is that Frank (of blessed memory) – as close to a living angel as possible – is now warm in the embrace of parents whom he missed so dearly, having lost them when he was a young adult.
Alongside parents who raised him so well, it gives me comfort to envision him doing a jig with his brother-in-law, Morty Dzikansky (of blessed memory); his absolute bestie. Having enjoyed each other’s company for many years, that is, akin to a barrel of monkeys, it could be no other way.
Frank Kutnicki, of Blessed Memory; Happy Birthday in Heaven! Still Loved, Still Missed, and Very Dear. 

A “Birthday In Heaven”: Celebrating The Joyful Life Of Frank Kutnicki, Of Blessed Memory

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——Picture

WITH the passage of time, a personal decision was taken to no longer mark the date of death of Frank Kutnicki (of blessed memory) publicly. On the other hand, his “birthday in heaven” is celebrated both privately and publicly; in a manner befitting a man whose essence is best described as one who lived life with a joie de vivre that few are ever able to achieve, this writer included. 

IN this regard, his joyful embrace of life immediately springs to mind, whenever July 31 nears. As such, even though no longer among the (earthly) living, celebrating Frank Kutnicki’s (of blessed memory) life well-lived feels like a natural outgrowth; a tribute and fitting legacy to mark his “birthday in heaven.”

INDEED, the above referenced joyfulness is fully resonant with those who knew him the best and miss his presence, until this day. Most especially, two loving sons; two siblings; a brother-in-law, more like his brother and best friend, as well as a “partner in crime”; an  extended family; close friends, and many devoted (tax) clients. So much so, a few noted (upon his sudden passing) that they looked forward to tax season, just to be able to spend time with him! In the history of gathering ones (dreaded) tax papers, how often has such a sentiment been expressed?

BUT those who missed out the most, knowing but not knowing (through pictures, videos, stories, and more) the quintessence of this most gentle and humble soul, are his precious little grandchildren. For it is out of the mouths of babes that reminders of Frank Kutnicki (of blessed memory) loom largest at this end.

HOW else can one explain such “out of the blue” comments, for example:

My saba (grandfather) is a “good ghost”, and he watches over me and the family in the shemayim (heavens) all the time.

Meanwhile, another chimes in:

Saba is the last star to go to sleep at night, he waits until I fall sleep.

YES, out of the mouths of babes.

IT is due to the above, and so much more, that this writer marks today with a most meaningful tradition; a “birthday in heaven” celebration. Designated with the release of balloons from atop a most scenic and tranquil overlook — high above Haifa’s stunning landscape — this vista is tailor-made for such a special day. It embodies the vast expanse of Frank Kutnicki’s (of blessed memory) open and generous heart, and the warm embrace missed by those who knew him the best.   

Happy Birthday in Heaven

BUT it would be remiss not to mention the genesis of this personal tradition; that which harks back to one week after landing in Israel, 13 years ago. No sooner did these feet hit the ground in Israel, his birthday loomed overhead, larger than life.

AND feeling as if it was impossible to even put one foot in front of the other, the aforementioned “brother-in-law, more like his brother and best friend, as well as a partner in crime”, came up with the idea to mark this day with a release of balloons (from our hearts to his) at a nearby trail that felt appropriately tranquil. Dear brother, thanks for that.

THE rest is “birthday in heaven” history…. 

ALAS, as someone whose spirit lightens when belting out a song, the following is not only hauntingly beautiful, but speaks to this heart  — just substitute Laura with Frank.

DEAREST FRANK, HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN — FROM OUR HEARTS TO YOURS!