Trustees Honor Roll

Mahnic, Frank Sr.

Saxophonist and Vocalist (1922-1992)
Inducted on November 28, 1992

For 52 years, Frank Mahnic, Sr., played an important part in the success of a Cleveland-style institution, the nationally-known Vadnal Orchestra. As the saxophonist and one of the Vadnal vocalists, Frank played an active role in the band's tremendous popularity. He performed on radio, tele-vision and recordings, and toured with the Vadnals across the United States, Europe, Canada and the Caribbean. Devoted to his Slovenian community in Cleveland from childhood, Frank's musical career began with the Slavcki Children's Chorus. He joined Zarja Singing Society as a teenager and, at age 16, was the youngest elected officer of Lodge 129 of the Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ). He eventually became President of the Federation of Slovenian National Homes and was honored by the group as Man of the Year in 1980.