Frank May

Frankie May, Jr., 83, of Sinking Spring, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at Reading Hospital. He was the ever devoted husband of Marilyn (White) May for 57 years.

Born in Reading, Frankie was the son of the late Frank May, Sr. and Ruth (Cass) May. Frankie was an exceptionally accomplished bowler who made an everlasting imprint on the bowling community. Not only because of his bowling ability, but also his energetic personality and a lifelong dedication to the sport.

When he started bowling in 1958 at the age of 16, Frankie never envisioned what he would accomplish in the sport. He was enshrined in the Reading/Pottstown Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1980 being the youngest member at the time and in 1990 he was the first person from Berks County inducted into the Pennsylvania State Bowling Association Hall of Fame. He was also honored by being inducted into the Berks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame class of 1986, the only bowler in this select group.

During his time as a member of the Professional Bowling Association he claimed 2 PBA Regional titles, 2 PBA 50 Regional titles and 1 PBA 50 National Tour title. In 1993 he captured the PBA 50 Don Carter Senior Open title in West Palm Beach, FL. Earlier that same year, Frankie also had a strong showing at the USBC Senior Masters in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he finished as the runner-up.

In April 2024 Frankie became the 30th member of the Elite 100,000-Pin Club at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships during his 57th tournament appearance. Frankie has been the model of consistency throughout his career at the event. After making his debut at the 1961 tournament in Detroit, he came back to roll 1,877 in his second appearance at the 1963 event in Buffalo, New York. He has posted 27 nine-game scores of 1,800 (a 200 average) or higher through his 57 appearances, with a top overall score of 2,040 being registered during the 1991 event in Toledo, Ohio, which included a 757 series in team event. Frankie was the runner-up in Classic All-Events at the 1978 Open Championships in St. Louis, finishing with a 1,934 total.

In addition to his name being one to watch on the lanes, he could be found helping bowlers in any way at his Pro Shop. Frankie operated Frankie May's Bowling Pro Shops for many years helping bowlers of all skill levels to improve in Berks County and beyond. Frankie then transitioned to operating booths for Hammer, Visionary Bowling Products and Motiv Bowling representing their brands at the USBC Open Championships for over 20 years offering his expertise, knowledge and energy at a broader level.

Frankie also spent numerous years as an advocate for The Special Olympics - Berks County Bowling. Every year he participated in fundraising and helped host the annual tournament at Hiester Lanes.

Beyond the lanes, Frankie was a talented commercial artist. His creative touch could be seen on many of the racing cars that sped around the Reading Fairgrounds Race Tracks and businesses throughout Berks County.

Frankie is survived by a long list of family members. His loving wife, Marilyn. His Son's: Frank May III and his wife Beverly. Frank and Beverly's children: Todd and Heather Gruber, Jarrad and Kim Gruber, Chad and Ashley Gruber along with 11 grandchildren. Dave May and his wife Debbie. Dave and Debbie's Children: Michael May (wife Britany) Michael and Britany's children: Sadie, Joel, Elenor, Layla, and Solomon. Sarah Malachowski (husband John) Sarah and John's children: John and Elaina. Ryan May and his children Alivia and Dylan May, as well as Rick McCaulley. His daughter Susan Witforth (husband Jay). Susan's daughter Heather (husband Cody) and son Devin (wife Hailey) who each have a daughter. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary May.

A celebration of Frankie's life will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA. The family will receive friends and relatives from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with prayers and words of remembrance beginning at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity that Frankie was very fond of. The Special Olympics - Berks County Bowling.