When you met John Francis LaFrankie for the first time, he'd have a little gift for you.

It was one of the many little wooden nickels he carried around, with the inscription "A Round Tuit," and he would press it into your hand.

"The coins would say, 'This is a tuit and tuits are rare, especially the round ones, so guard it with care. How many times have you heard someone say -- or said to yourself at least six times a day -- 'One of these days I'll really do it. I'll do it as soon as I get a round tuit,' " laughed Walt Bronder, general manager of Benson Lincoln-Mercury, who knew Mr. LaFrankie for 21 years.

"He would always say, 'Every time you meet somebody, look at them as if they have 'MMFS' written on their forehead -- 'make me feel special' -- and that's how he made everyone feel. He didn't complain, not once, nor said a negative word about anything or anyone," Mr. Bronder said.

Mr. LaFrankie, a car salesman, former teacher, sports coach and motivational speaker to young people, died Monday at Jefferson Regional Medical Center of an infection. He was 83.

His son, Tom LaFrankie, said the family had a picture of the "Round Tuit" printed on the funeral Mass card, along with that poem and his photo. "We went through at least 500 of them there," he said.

Mr. LaFrankie said his father came into work every day until the day he died, "bringing a coat, tie and enthusiasm." Tom LaFrankie is co-owner of Benson Lincoln-Mercury and Chrysler Dodge Jeep of White Oak.

Mr. LaFrankie was born May 30, 1925, in Elizabeth to John and Susan LaFrankie. He was president of his graduating class at Elizabeth High School.

He later served with honor in the Marine Corps, stationed in the Philippines from 1943 to 1945. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in education, and was a varsity letterman for the University of Pittsburgh football team in 1946 and 1947.

He later taught at Monongahela High School for about seven or eight years, and coached football at Verona and Monongahela high schools.

"During one summer in the late 1950s, it finally became more worthwhile to stay in the auto business," his son said.

He owned Steel Valley Ford in Homestead, and then from 1975 to 1980 worked for Ford as eastern regional manager.

He then went to Benson Lincoln-Mercury, coming in as a sales trainer and leasing consultant. In 1985, his family acquired the old Norwin Dodge dealership, now known as Chrysler Dodge Jeep of White Oak.

"He handled the auto show for Chrysler and Dodge for the last 10 years, doing 13-hour days. There were guys who were a third of his age who would complain if they worked five hours," said Tom LaFrankie.

His father "amassed a wide sphere of influence throughout southwestern Pennsylvania with the business community, friends and acquaintances, and was loved by all who had the opportunity to meet and be with him," said Mr. LaFrankie.

John LaFrankie was especially devoted to children. He held school assemblies motivating children to do their very best in school and in life, and he adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

"He did a lot of school shows. He recently did a Veterans' Day show at St. Louise de Marillac grade school in Upper St. Clair. He did them on everything from the history of World War II to being motivated and enthusiastic," Mr. LaFrankie said.

He is survived by his children, John of South Park, Thomas of Jefferson Hills, Luanne of Rock Hill, S.C., David of Pleasant Hills and Daniel of Pleasant Hills; a sister, Mary Lou Braum, of Greenock; brothers Raymond of Brentwood, William of Allentown, Pa., Robert of Lancaster, Pa., Donald of Marlborough, Mass., and James of Williamsburg, Va.; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Burial was in Round Hill Cemetery in Elizabeth.