Frank received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1960 and a doctorate in zoology from Arizona State University in 1969.

His employment included time as a batboy for the New York Giants; Arizona State University in the Department of Zoology as an assistant curator of mammals; University of Minnesota in the Museum of Natural History as a scientist; U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a mammal control agent and wildlife research biologist; Arizona Zoological Society as director of education and research at the Phoenix Zoo; director and owner of Live Oak School in Uvalde; U.S. Navy Program for Afloat College Education professor; published author; and wildlife photographer.

Dr.Turkowski was a member of the American Society of Mammalogists; Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society; American Institute of Biological Sciences; Southwestern Association of Naturalists; Texas Academy of Science; Arizona Zoological Society; Admiral Nimitz Foundation; Rotary International; and the Uvalde Grand Opera House board of governors.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ann Turkowski of Uvalde; two sons and wife, Fernanda, of Ridgewood, New York; a daughter; and two grandchildren.