In November of 2004, Frank entered my familys lives. He moved into the house next door. At first he was just a quiet old man that I would talk to in passing. After a short time, Pam would spend time with him, just talking about his life.Pam started spending so much time with Frank that we joked that he was her boyfriend.
Frank would tell stories about his past and I thought he must be making them up. There is no way one person could have done all the things he said.
I then met some of his great friends from California and his family from around the country. When they told me all the stories were true, I was amazed. Frank had done more and seen more in his life than any three people could hope.
Frank had open heart surgery in 2005. I agreed to watch his cats for him.Frank said from that time on we would be close friends. I do not have a fondness for cats and Frank knew that.
Over the years we became more than just friends. We had as close to a father son relationship as there could be.My whole family had adopted Frank as a part of our family. To Pam, Frank became the father she no longer had. To my sons Adam and Michael , Frank was their grandfather.
Frank would frequent a local restaurant called Central Park Family Restaurant.The people there treated him like family and he fealt the same way towards them. If we were not going there to eat, he would join us for dinner.Frank would always be with us for holidays and special occasions.
When my friends and family would meet Frank, they would take an instant liking to him.He could talk to anyone on any subject and usually had a story to tell to go along with it.
Frank would often ask me why everyone loved him so much. He would say " I am just a regular guy ". To me it was obvious why he was so loved. He was so much more than just a regular guy.
In his later years, Franks health was failing and he could no longer travel. Thyat did not stop his friends and family from coming to visit. Franks dear friends would come to visit from California. After his heart surgery, his friends took turns coming to stay with him and help him. I am so glad I got to know them. They were so much a part of his life before I knew Frank. He always spoke with such regard for them and I know why.
Franks family would come visit from all corners of the country.I was truly pleased to meet them all. I know Frank loved when they came to visit. He would be talking about it for a month ahead of time. Everyone that visited was so gratious and loving. They accepted my family as part of theirs. That meant so much to me.
Franks nephew Mark was the only local relative and was able to visit more frequently. Mark would always bring something special for Frank. It could be a sandwich he was craving or something from the bakery he loved so much in St. Petersburg.
As I close this letter out, I am just thinking about how this man that moved next door has enriched my life so much. I guess I am now one of the keepers of his many stories that will be told over and over.
As my sister told me, he was the " Most interesting man in the world ".
I love and miss you Frank,
Dave
