ForeverMissed
Large image
For the safety of our families and guests, we have postponed the memorial until further notice.
Frank will be remembered for his kindness, candor, humor, work ethic, legendary competitive spirit, loyalty to friends and family, unusual generosity, and contribution to the tennis world.
Anyone wishing to donate toward this event, please contact Sean Froehling at s.froehling@gmail.com. We also encourage donations in his honor to the Treasure Coast Tennis Foundation which will begin a program in Frank’s honor to grow the game of tennis among those who will benefit the most. https://www.treasurecoasttennisfoundation.org/
Frank V
December 16, 2023
December 16, 2023
From a fellow teaching pro:
I met your dad September 9, 2012 on my b day and also my first day at Deerwood CC as DoT.
Frank walked up, told me he had an appointment with the former DoT etc
At that moment I had scheduled a lesson with a member who was your dad's age, tennis fanatic and well aware of your father's achievements (on ct). Moving forward in 2015 we built a Wall of Fame of all the greats that had played in the past at a pro event at the Deerwood Country club: Conners, Nastase, BJ King, Arthur Ashe, Margaret Court etc etc and......Frank Froehling. My member and your dad must have stayed in touch because a few months later he received an envelope with a pic (and signature) and a note: "a tough win." We built a nice frame to showcase it and it had a prominent spot on the Wall!!!
After they took the building down my member "rescued " the pics.
Unfortunately member got very ill in 2017 but when we spoke he said: "You never guess who called me yesterday?" Frank Froehling!!! I asked him well....what did he say? He said to get better and get my ass back on court soon haha. (See photo of the signed picture mentioned).
April 5, 2023
April 5, 2023
Many decades back, 1970 era, I was blessed with the Privilege of serving on the National Youth Tennis Leagues, Inc. with Frank and others. Frank was such a great player and personality, it was impossible not to look up to him for leadership. Although I was a player with limited skills and partially disabled, Frank was very helpful. I'm only learning now that Frank has passed on and so sorry to hear this news. 
January 23, 2023
January 23, 2023
My life in tennis followed graduate school and a short stint as an educator. After leaving the Breakers in Palm Beach, Frank was the builder of 4 har Tru courts 2 blocks north called Centre Courts. Little did I know that he would kindly show me how little did I know about tennis. He asked me if I wanted to play doubles with him. Here was another lesson in his knowledge of tennis. With all I've done, career highlights, accomplishments, not a day goes by, not a student I've coached, not an event I've run-nothing would have been as it turned out, without him. I mention Frank continuously to peers and to students and give him credit for who I became in the world of tennis and life. Thanks man!
May 19, 2022
May 19, 2022
Dad, you are missed as we remember you would be turning 80 today. I'm sure you are celebrating in heaven by eating a big hamburger, playing tennis, and dancing to reggae. You loved us well with your generosity, and we continue to feel your love as we journey through this life with some of the strength you modeled.
May 19, 2021
May 19, 2021
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANK. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND.
June 4, 2020
June 4, 2020
Frank was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. Endless stories of his tennis career that I love to hear every time he came to the club. Frank knew all the top players from Ecuador that I grew up admiring :) 
Everyone at our club admired him and thought the world of him.
He will be missed and I am so glad I got to know him. Until we meet again my amigo Frank 
March 12, 2020
March 12, 2020
Frank was my teammate and classmate at Trinity 1960-1964, one of our stars who was destined for greatness from the day he set foot on campus September 1960. Per Inside Tennis magazine our 1963 team was ranked the 5th best ever college tennis team thanks to Frank, Chuck McKinley, Cliff Buchholz, Butch Newman and Frank's doubles partner all 4 years, Bob Joyner. Frank was ranked #6 in the world in 1963 the year he reached the finals of the US Open at Forest Hills. Who can forget watching Rafael Osuna backed up 15' behind the baseline as his only means of returning Frank's world-class, powerful serve. Years later after laying off the tour he came back to reach the semis of the French Open, losing to eventual winner Ilie Nastase. We remained friends for just shy of 60 years, still enjoying Trinity tennis reunions with Bob, Cliff, Butch and Ken Smith in the Colorado mountains through August 2019. But most importantly Frank was a champion in life. He was spiritual, highly intelligent, hard worker, committed, caring, loving, ethical and funny -- a very good man in all respects.  God bless you, Frank, my beloved friend!
March 7, 2020
March 7, 2020
Frank Froehling was a great tennis champion and and an even greater human being. Remembered most by the public as the finalist in the national championships at Forest Hills in 1963 ,with a huge serve,a great forehand,and a will to win like no one else I ever knew, he was much more to those who knew him- kind,giving,honest,brave,forthright, a mentor so wise.
He was my coach on the WTA tour in 1978- He found me playing in a satellite event in Huntchinson Island- floundering,broke, discouraged-and he took me to live with him and Deborah in their abandoned plantation on the St. Lucie River- he coached me,two sessions a day,trained me physically-I had to run home after workouts to meet him at the house miles away. He changed my diet, he made a list of all my debts,and started me paying them off with the prize money I began to win,the smallest debts first,and on and on to the bigger ones. He taught me the right diet, he introduced me to country music-still my favorite,especially don wiilliams,he got me to start reading,first Siddartha by Herman Hesse,then works of the russian mystic philosopher Gourdjieff. I got strong mentally,physically,emotionally. When I got strong enough he sent me to live in Gainesville,to learn T'ai Chi. I went from the depths to pretty good. By winter i was on the Virginia Slims tour,Frank came to see me beat Virginia Ruzici[French Open winner in 1973] in the 'Slims in Washington, and Hana Mandlikova[US Open champ-1975]. in the 'Slims in Detroit,and he flew across the coast to watch me reach the finals and lose to Chrissie in three sets in Seattle. When I came back to new york in 1981 to resume my life's work as a doctor, he came up to my country home in Putnam County and built the most perfect and beautiful sand filled grass court anyone had ever seen up there -for me.
He was so modest,how many remember all those father and son national titles he won? who remembers that he retired and then came back to the tour in 1971,beat Arthur Ashe at Roland Garros and and got to the semis-where he lost to winner Ilie Nastase, or how many Davis Cup teams he was on, or that he won the 45 and over national clay court title when he was hardly even training for tournaments any more,or that he taught our US Fed Cup Captain Kathy Rinaldi when she was a kid and took her to win the Orange Bowl at the age of 12?
Still waters run deep. I am sure my time with Frank is not the only one which commands a debt of gratitude,an expression of love,admiration,and friendship. Long live Frank Froehling.  Renee Richards
March 6, 2020
March 6, 2020
I met Frank 16 years ago at the club where I serve as a tennis professional and court maintenance
supervisor. Our director at the time told me of his previous accomplishments as a player.
  I was feeling self conscious hitting in front of someone of that caliber but Franks friendly demeanor and compliments put me at ease.
  That easiness helped us complete alot of projects and solve many problems over the next
15 years and he always had my recommendation
and I always respected his advice.
  The last time I saw Frank we were riding around in a golf cart and he was telling me about a tournament he was aiming to enter. Like any really good tennis player he didn’t give up and looked forward to the next match!
   My condolences to Sean and his family.
         Rest In Peace in heaven Frank

February 23, 2020
February 23, 2020
I've decided to read the other tributes before including my own. All of the individuals who contributed to the memory of this man speak to the loyalty, compassion, kindness, sensitivity, intelligence and his fierce competitiveness. All have spanned decades and interactions in different chapters of Frank's story. I too believe that I'm a better person through the forty + years of friendship and bond with him. Frank was simply open and honest with us all. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. I Love you man!
February 22, 2020
February 22, 2020
Frank hired me as an assistant pro at Sandpiper Bay In the late 70’s. How lucky was I to learn so much about tennis but to have a mentor of his stature. Hard to believe how great a player he was but not a mean bone in him. Frank really was a unique kind man that always had a keen insight to people. The world has lost a legend and a dear friend. My best to Sean and family
February 10, 2020
February 10, 2020
I met Frank sometime in the 90’s when I believe he was still a part of Froehling/Papico. Our paths crossed again several years later when he was selling jobs for FDC and I was sub-contracting for them at the same time. Frank always provided me with job opportunities whenever he could. I was so grateful for the work that he threw in my direction and it really helped me out at the time. His confidence in my work abilities meant the world to me. Over the years our relationship grew and I’d like to say that we became friends. We always kept in touch and I’m so grateful that my wife and I were able to visit with him even when he wasn’t feeling his best. Frank was always so fascinated that I was able to actually work side by side with my wife in this crazy business. My wife Randi and I always held a special place in our hearts for Frank. Even when Frank was not doing his best, he managed to put me in contact with some of my strongest business connections to this date. I will always be grateful to him. He was a wonderful man and will never be forgotten, especially by me. Rest in peace Frank.
Sincerely,
Lance and Randi Tanner
February 4, 2020
February 4, 2020
I met Frank when I was transitioning out of Fast-Dry Courts, Inc. in 1999 and Frank was just starting with our company. I was immediately struck by Frank's charisma, integrity and customer first focus. In my absence from the business over 7 years Frank made a huge impact on the company, bringing in numerous big jobs and really helped to take our company to the next level.

I returned to Fast-Dry Courts in the Spring of 2006 and had the opportunity to work closely with Frank as his manager and colleague. We worked together through some very difficult times during the recession which required sacrifice, hustle and creativity by both of us. We persevered through those tough times and the company emerged stronger on the other side - would have never happened without Frank.

Frank dealt with his illnesses over the last decade with immense grace and dedication. There were many times he worked from a hospital bed, always trying to deliver for our customers and the company. For me, a fellow workaholic, it was somewhat inspirational.

At the end of the day, Frank was two things above all else - a competitor and a champion. This was true in his tennis career and his business career. I know he had tremendous love for his family and friends. I will miss him greatly on a personal level and our family and Fast-Dry Courts, Inc. and 10-S Tennis Supply will forever be indebted to his contributions to our success.

Rest in peace my friend.

Sincerely,
Stephen C. Dettor
February 3, 2020
February 3, 2020
Frank, you were an all around good guy. It was always a joy to hang with you especially on tennis terrain which you knew better than most and loved with enduring passion. I am sad that you have left us and I will always remember you for the fine, outstanding man that you were. Adios amigo.
February 2, 2020
February 2, 2020
Frank touched my heart in many ways.......playing singles and doubles against or with him was always enjoyment......he loved the game off tennis as much as I love soccer.....he always played with competitive edge and a grin on his face.....we shared allot off side-kick stories on our professional careers (during our longer than normal breaks) during tennis matches.....few things Frank said to me several times.....Wolf, missing an overhead is like you missing a penalty kick in soccer(smile).....Wolf, if you ever beat me in singles and you tell anyone....I will deny it (smile).....Eliabeth and Sean.....my deepest sympathy to both of you and the rest off the family....he will be missed in my heart and as a friend.....
February 2, 2020
February 2, 2020
Such a kind, friendly guy. Always positive and spirited. Rest in peace beautiful soul. 
January 30, 2020
January 30, 2020
It has truly been an honor to know Frank and to share the tennis court with him - such lovely touch at the net! until we meet again, Frank. Gods blessings to Elizabeth and Franks family-      Jim Bradley
January 29, 2020
January 29, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to Frank’s family from ours. My son and I knew Frank through the tennis world and always respected his talent as well as his coaching advice. He was a great man to have known. My grandchildren will cherish the stories I will tell about him and the tennis balls he autographed for them. 
Wayne and Luke Stephens
January 29, 2020
January 29, 2020
In the fall of 1977, he placed a job-posting ad in a local newspaper looking for someone with a bit of know-how building clay tennis courts, for a project in Stuart, Florida called North River Shores . . . I was one of many folks who answered that call, and It became the foundation for a highly productive and rewarding relationship that lasted over 4 decades, and the genesis for a brand and legacy in the tennis court construction industry that is unsurpassed in quality, integrity, and professionalism to this very day . . . Frank Froehling . . . a mark of excellence . . .
January 27, 2020
January 27, 2020
I will dearly miss Frank and wanted to share some memories. The first is how humble and kind Frank was. As a runner up in the US Open most of the people who played tennis with him including myself, were far below his level of competition. I remember the first time I met Frank was about 25 years ago in a father-son tennis tournament.  I played with my Dad against Frank and Sean. Sean at the time was around 11 years old and I was 19 or 20. Almost everything my Dad and I hit to Frank would result in a lost point for us. After a few games of realizing hitting to Frank didn’t work, we did our best to make sure Frank did not get a chance to hit another ball. After winning with this not so nice strategy, Frank congratulated us and said how well I played. For someone at his level, to play a match while being completely avoided and then complement me afterwards always resonated. What a humble and great guy I thought after leaving that day.  It was over 10 years later before I started working with Fast-Dry and Frank. These last 12 years alongside him I gained even more of a great respect and love for him. Hanging out with him at Tradeshows was always the best. His matter of fact honest disposition, humility and overall grasp of our industry were amazing to take in. Not to mention his incredibly entertaining stories when times were slow. What a full and amazing life Frank lived. He passed on this great humility and kindness to his son Sean and he will truly be missed. My love and prayers go out to the Froehling Family.  
January 27, 2020
January 27, 2020
Frank you have been my go to guy for so many years and I feel empty inside after hearing the news from your son Sean. I am consoled by the fact that every time I see or speak to Sean I think of you and know you have left things in excellent hands at Fast Dry. Rest in peace my friend and I will always have nothing but respect for you in my heart.
January 27, 2020
January 27, 2020
"I'm a cork on the ocean
Floating over the raging sea
How deep is the ocean?
How deep is the ocean?"
Frank, we totally bonded when I found out you were a Brian Wilson and Beach Boys fan, like me. I used to call you by "Yo Frankie". You always knew it was me. Rest in peace old friend !
January 27, 2020
January 27, 2020
A true champion and leader. It was an absolute privilege to have known and worked with Frank. He had such a good spirit and soul. Thank you for all of your contributions to the sport of tennis and for leaving the world a better place. Rest in peace my good friend, I will miss you.
January 27, 2020
January 27, 2020
Frank Arthur Froehling, my best friend, my roommate at Trinity, my confidant and the person that taught this country boy so much about life. Our stories and life experiences are too numerous to share and would take up to much time -60 years worth. He was a wonderfully warm and caring guy, so fun and always treated me like a brother. Words cannot express the depth of our loss.
- Bob Joyner and Sandy White

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
Frank V
December 16, 2023
December 16, 2023
From a fellow teaching pro:
I met your dad September 9, 2012 on my b day and also my first day at Deerwood CC as DoT.
Frank walked up, told me he had an appointment with the former DoT etc
At that moment I had scheduled a lesson with a member who was your dad's age, tennis fanatic and well aware of your father's achievements (on ct). Moving forward in 2015 we built a Wall of Fame of all the greats that had played in the past at a pro event at the Deerwood Country club: Conners, Nastase, BJ King, Arthur Ashe, Margaret Court etc etc and......Frank Froehling. My member and your dad must have stayed in touch because a few months later he received an envelope with a pic (and signature) and a note: "a tough win." We built a nice frame to showcase it and it had a prominent spot on the Wall!!!
After they took the building down my member "rescued " the pics.
Unfortunately member got very ill in 2017 but when we spoke he said: "You never guess who called me yesterday?" Frank Froehling!!! I asked him well....what did he say? He said to get better and get my ass back on court soon haha. (See photo of the signed picture mentioned).
April 5, 2023
April 5, 2023
Many decades back, 1970 era, I was blessed with the Privilege of serving on the National Youth Tennis Leagues, Inc. with Frank and others. Frank was such a great player and personality, it was impossible not to look up to him for leadership. Although I was a player with limited skills and partially disabled, Frank was very helpful. I'm only learning now that Frank has passed on and so sorry to hear this news. 
January 23, 2023
January 23, 2023
My life in tennis followed graduate school and a short stint as an educator. After leaving the Breakers in Palm Beach, Frank was the builder of 4 har Tru courts 2 blocks north called Centre Courts. Little did I know that he would kindly show me how little did I know about tennis. He asked me if I wanted to play doubles with him. Here was another lesson in his knowledge of tennis. With all I've done, career highlights, accomplishments, not a day goes by, not a student I've coached, not an event I've run-nothing would have been as it turned out, without him. I mention Frank continuously to peers and to students and give him credit for who I became in the world of tennis and life. Thanks man!
Recent stories

Storyteller

January 24, 2023
I went to play an exhibition at a club in PSL tonight and I thought of Frank. I did play a few exhibitions where he play as well. He was Soo smooth and can do anything with his racquet. But I missed the most is his stories. I could sit and hear him tell all the stories of tennis greats and his matches against them. He knew them all and was so much fun to hear him. Great story teller. Miss you Frank. I am very grateful to have known my amigo Frank. 
January 31, 2022
I met Frank in 2007 when i came down from N.Y. and began teaching at a small club in Jensen Beach.He was such a humble guy and was kind enough to play in my first Pro-night.Everytime he came over to play doubles I would bombard him with questions about former players on tour and he would never disappoint.Here was a guy that was a U.S. Open finalist and carried the Davis Cup squad against Romania yet you would never know it.Frank was a total class act and a true ambassador to the sport.
January 30, 2020
Rick and I were working in Big Pine in the keys. Now when you start a build there’s always a benchmark,a hub or a general starting point.Which we nickname BM. BM can symbolize so much more with the correct humor.Well Frank pops in one day.Rick and I were  into the grind,its hot,no see ums,coral rock and chickens running around its just a weird scene.Hey its the keys right? Frank walks up from our side and stops to point at the BM and says” hey Rick,you have a BM on your court!” We all pause and look at each other for a second,Rick says”bench mark?” Frank then says”bowel movement!.”  We all start laughing. Frank has a great sense of humor.  It was classic moment that will forever stay in my memory. 

Invite others to Frank's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline