"He had an intense passion for laughter and integrity," his family said. "Thus, he laughed often and loved to keep others laughing too.
"Frank was morally, mentally and emotionally strong. He was equally as hard working. He was a dependable and committed family man and a concerned citizen of his community at large.
"Whatever he did, he did well. There was no hypocrisy in any of his actions."
Frank was born in Elloree, S.C., to the Rev. Bradley Solomon Salley and Franklin "Frankie" Lee Anderson-Salley. The family moved to North Philadelphia in 1946.
He graduated with honors at age 16 from Benjamin Franklin High School. He took a job with Philadelphia Pad and Binding Co. while waiting for his 17th birthday, after which he could join the Navy.
He served aboard the destroyer USS Daly DD519 and saw a big chunk of the world. The ship cruised to Central America, southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He was discharged in 1961 as a 2nd class petty officer.
Frank joined the Fairmount Park Guards, which, in 1972, was absorbed into the Police Department. He rose to the rank of lieutenant.
He married his childhood friend, Sarah Clementine Johnson, in 1963.
Frank earned a certificate in police science and administration from Temple University, and a bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in accounting.
As a police officer, Frank's assignments included administrative positions with the 92nd District, the old Park Guard headquarters; Traffic Court; the detention unit in the Police Administration Building; and Internal Affairs.
Just before his retirement, he was named administrative lieutenant at the Police Academy in charge of new recruits.
After his retirement, he became second in command of the Drexel University police.
While with the Philadelphia Police Department, Frank was active with groups that sought to improve conditions and advancement opportunities for African-Americans. He became nationally known for this work.
"He had an incredible imagination," his family said, "and an ability to string tall tales that brought laughter, shared wisdom and imparted history and life lessons.
"He could tell tall tales whether straight-faced or full of contagious laughter. His characteristic smile and lightheartedness always lit up a room.
"Along with his warm smile, he always seemed to have a confident twinkle in his eyes."
His wife died in 2007. He is survived by a son, Frank Salley; two daughters, Lisa Salley and Patricia Salley-Holland; and six grandchildren.
Services: 11 a.m. Friday at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, 230 W. Coulter St. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Chelten Hills Cemetery, 1700 Washington Lane.
