Obituary of Frank B. Ahlers

Frank "Tex" Ahlers, age 81, beloved husband of Vivian Santinello Ahlers, of Fairfield, passed away on April 29, 2019.

In addition to Vivian, his devoted wife of 57 years, many fond memories of Tex will be embraced by his daughter, Mary Graney and her husband Rob, of Fairfield; his son, Frank Ahlers, of Bridgeport; his grandsons, James Rovinelli, of Waterbury,  and Eric Frantzen, of Pine Island, NY. He was predeceased by his sister, Lorraine DiNotte, of Bronx, NY.

Born and raised in Bronx, NY, he was also a resident of Fort Worth, TX prior to settling in Fairfield with his family. Tex proudly served in the United States Army. He was the owner of Tex's Hero Shop in Bronx, NY prior to working at Fairfield Prep in the cafeteria and school maintenance for over 20 years. During that time at Prep, he formed many friendships with the Jesuit priests, staff, students, and their parents. 

Among his many interests and past times were being a passionate Dallas Cowboys fan, traveling to the stadium to see Thanksgiving games for years, raising pigeons for over 50 years in Bronx, trips to Florida with his wife, fine dining with family and friends, as well as, swimming in the backyard pool and relaxing in the Jacuzzi. Tex will be remembered for living life to the fullest, his strong work ethic, and devotion to family and friends.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4-7 PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Funeral services will begin on Thursday at the funeral home for 915 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Thomas Church at 10 AM. His entombment with military honor will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to: Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven, 35 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06511 (www.ynhh.org/smilow). To order flowers online, for travel directions, or to sign his guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com