Tobyhanna Army Depot recently honored the life, leadership and legacy of former Deputy Commander Frank W. Zardecki during a memorialization ceremony dedicating a newly renamed roadway, Zardecki Way, in his honor.
On Jun. 24, 2026, employees, family members, and depot leaders gathered for the ceremony which permanently links Zardecki’s name to the installation where he spent the majority of his professional life serving the nation. The event, held in conjunction with the installation’s America 250 observance, celebrated a leader whose influence helped shape Tobyhanna Army Depot for more than half a century
The memorialization included remarks from depot leadership and members of Zardecki’s family, who reflected on his commitment to public service and the lasting impact he made on the workforce and mission. Following the ceremony, attendees witnessed the unveiling of the Zardecki Way street sign, a tribute to an individual whose dedication to Tobyhanna Army Depot spanned generations.
For many members of Team Tobyhanna, Zardecki’s name is synonymous with the depot itself. Throughout his career, he became one of the installation’s most respected and influential leaders, helping guide the organization through decades of mission growth and organizational change.
Depot Chief of Staff Kristyn Smith, who served alongside Zardecki during his tenure as deputy commander, reflected on the profound impact he had on the organization.
“For more than 56 years, Frank’s life and legacy were woven into the fabric of Tobyhanna Army Depot,” said Smith. “Over the course of 20,000 days, he walked these streets with a singular purpose: to support his fellow warfighters and elevate this great organization.”
Smith noted that Zardecki’s influence extended beyond his title, helping shape the direction and future of the installation through decades of change.
“Frank did not merely witness the evolution of this depot; he drove it,” said Smith.
Zardecki’s commitment to service began long before his civilian career. He served in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964 before joining Tobyhanna Army Depot in January 1966 as an electronic test equipment repairman. Through hard work, technical expertise and a commitment to the mission, he advanced through positions of increasing responsibility.
In 1990, Zardecki was selected as Tobyhanna Army Depot’s deputy commander, a role he would hold for more than three decades. His tenure provided continuity and leadership during periods of significant transformation within both the Army and the Department of War. Working alongside multiple commanders, Zardecki helped ensure the depot remained agile, innovative and prepared to meet the evolving needs of the warfighter.
Management Analyst Therese Paxton worked under Mr. Zardecki’s leadership for many years. She said she is grateful for the wisdom and experience he shared with her and the entirety of the workforce.
“Frank was an amazing leader that cared very much about the workforce. His drive to accomplish any mission great or small was unmatched and driven by his deep commitment to the Warfighter. He understood the value of TYAD's mission; he believed in its people, and wanted to make TYAD the best it could be,” said Paxton. “I appreciated his brutal honestly and his upfront approach. He left a lasting impression on me and I am forever grateful I got to work under his leadership.”
Zardecki’s contributions earned numerous awards and accolades, including the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the highest civilian honor presented by the Secretary of War. The recognition reflected not only his achievements at Tobyhanna Army Depot, but also the broader impact of his work on national defense and military readiness.
Following his retirement in 2022, Zardecki’s legacy continued to receive recognition. He was inducted into both the U.S. Army Materiel Command Hall of Fame, the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command Hall of Fame, and the C5ISR Hall of Fame, honors reserved for individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on the Army and the nation.
Beyond the titles and accomplishments, those who worked alongside Zardecki remember a leader deeply invested in the success of the workforce. He championed employee development, encouraged innovation and understood that the depot’s greatest strength was its people. His leadership helped position Tobyhanna Army Depot as a world-class provider of C5ISR readiness for the joint warfighter.
Current Deputy Commander Robert Lantka, who succeeded Zardecki following his retirement, said the roadway dedication serves as a fitting tribute to a leader whose influence continues to be felt across the installation.
“The memorialization of this street as Zardecki Way will stand as a permanent tribute to his monumental legacy, ensuring that his life’s work remains a guiding path for this installation for generations to come,” said Lantka.
Lantka described Zardecki as a mentor and advocate for the workforce who consistently emphasized professional development and continuous improvement.
“Frank was a steadfast mentor who fiercely advocated for the education and growth of our workforce,” said Lantka. “He was known for his candid nature, his forward-looking mindset and his unwavering commitment to the military community.”
Zardecki passed away on Jan. 11, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by service, leadership and dedication. Yet his influence remains woven into the fabric of the organization he helped build and strengthen throughout his career.
As the Zardecki Way sign was unveiled, attendees reflected on a life devoted to serving others and advancing the mission of national defense. The roadway dedication ensures that future generations of employees, visitors and soldiers will encounter his name and have the opportunity to learn about the leader whose vision, commitment and character helped shape Tobyhanna Army Depot.
“On behalf of Tobyhanna Army Depot, I extend our deepest condolences to Frank’s family, friends and loved ones,” said Lantka. “We are profoundly grateful for his lifetime of service, and we will honor his memory by carrying forward the standard of excellence he modeled for us every single day.”
Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) is designated as the Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, , Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), electronics, avionics, and missile guidance and control. TYAD provides cradle-to-grave lifecycle support through depot-level repair, systems integration, software and cyber engineering, and field support. A key enabler of operational readiness for Joint and Allied Forces globally, TYAD leverages new and emerging technologies to further expand the Department of War’s organic capabilities for microelectronics, secure communications infrastructure, uncrewed aircraft systems, Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), and the Army’s Next Generation Combat Systems (NGC2). TYAD’s ability to rapidly surge production, deploy field support teams, and scale for contingency or theater-level operations makes it a vital contributor to strategic readiness and operational reach.
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