Monday, January 16, 2023
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Q: How would you describe Frank to someone who had never met them?
A: I first met Frank when he came to date my sister, Barbara when he was about 15. My sister was the same age and I was the inquisitive "little brother" of 9 at the time. It was clear that Barbara and Frank hit it off right from the start but I wasn't really paying attention at that time. Seven years later, Barbara and Frank got married the day before I went off to college. I'll just leave it at that I missed most of the post-wedding celebration due to some poor judgement and the encouragement of some of the happy couple's friends to "try this drink".
My best memories of Frank are associated with his positive outlook. Frank always saw the cup half-full. He might joke about other options, but everything was going to work out fine. He was a loving and caring partner to my sister for the entire time they were together. I never saw Frank angry, I never heard him raise his voice, and I never heard him have a quarrel with Barbara. They always seemed to work out whatever differences they had because they knew it was important to their relationship to do so. It was also clear that they were very much in love.
I know that Barbara is a strong woman who will manage to get along after this loss, but I also know that she will dearly miss Frank's comforting presence. He was a confidant and supporter all the time, and he offered those qualities to whomever else needed them.
Frank was also a terrific dad. He and Barbara raised three wonderful sons and have expanded to the next generation with wonderful grandchildren. Those key qualities that filled Frank's life live on in theirs as well. That is the best legacy one can leave.
I guess it's best to describe Frank as "a good man" - and that's not something found easily in today's world. I'm glad to have known him and it is a pleasure to continue to consider myself as part of his family that lives on. His memory certainly will in my heart.
The attached photo was taken in 2017 with Frank, his sons, my son Brad, and Frank. It's titled: "the men of the family".
