Rebeca Reiter Frankel
June 13, 2025

REBECA REITER FRANKEL: Passed way at the age of 94 on June 13, 2025. She will be remembered by her friends and family as a glamorous force of a woman who loved art and could draw you into a story.

She was the beloved wife of the late Robert Frankel, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. Born in Lima, Peru on June 13, 1931, Rebeca was the youngest of four children and the only one born in Peru. Her siblings - the late Mina Roitman, Naftali Reiter, and Yeti Weisselberg - were born in Ukraine to their parents, the late Moiyes and Henica Reiter.

Rebeca came to the United States at age 16, attending Cedar Crest College for a year before transferring to Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) to study acting. Her talent was quickly recognized, and she built an impressive résumé of leading roles on stage. During her senior year, she met Robert, the love of her life, and they married just three months later.

Rebeca taught Spanish at The Ellis School and, after raising her children, became a docent at the Carnegie Museum of Art. She poured hours into studying the works in upcoming shows, and it showed. Her deep knowledge and theatrical flair brought the galleries to life for countless visitors. Her love of art and its history was a shared passion with Robert, who served on the museum's board. Together, they were tireless advocates for expanding access to the arts and enriching Pittsburgh's cultural landscape.

Rebeca is survived by her children Dan (Debbie) and Janina (Rafi), her grandchildren Aaron, Erica, and Mark Frankel, and her step-grandchildren Dana (Yuval) and Hagia (Tomer). She was also a step great-grandmother to Yonathan and Eli.

Her spirit lives on in the family she cherished, the cultural institutions she supported, and the city she so deeply loved.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 2 PM. Visitation one hour prior to service (1 PM - 2 PM). Interment West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. Contributions in Rebeca's memory may be made to the Carnegie Museum of Art, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 or City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. www.schugar.com

Condolences

I regret not viewing the Chronicle obituaries sooner than this morning, Monday, June 23rd or I most certainly would have attended visitation Nina and Dan. May your beautiful mother rest in peace and you and your families be abundantly showered with care and love during this time and always. Thank you for all you and Dan do to support our respective communities here and abroad. I am confident both your parents (z'l) were fortunate to view and read what outstanding children they brought into this world. How blessed they were! Take care and keep in touch when you can or feel like it on Facebook or elsewhere.

Dan and Debbie, I am so very sorry on the passing of your wonderful mother Rebecca Reiter Frankel. She left many indelliblle foot prints on this earth and was a beacon of light for art, for her family and for her friends. I know that you and your family will miss her very much. Your mother's memory will forever be a blessing and may you find comfort in so many of the great times that you had. She will always be a shining star! With heartfelt sympathies, Deborah S. Ziskind

Dan and Family: I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and I send healing wishes. Much love, Carey

Dear Dan and family - We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear Mom. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

So sorry for your loss.

Our sincere condolences to you and to your family on the loss of your mother. May she rest in peace.

Rebeca was always very outgoing, friendly, and engaging. I always enjoyed running into her at various events. My sincere condolences to her family.

Chair Frankel. Our condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.