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Frank Lerner Obituary

LERNER , Frank
(73) Long time CIF sports official and youth coach who touched the lives of many.
Survived by his loving family, wife of 54 years Lillian; sons Mark (Noreen) and Stuart (Karen); daughter Shari (Henry) De Cambra; grandchildren Sean, Scott, Moriah, Haley, Kali and Austin and sister Nessa (Bob) Wilk and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services, 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, Pacific View Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Dr., Corona Del Mar.
In honor of Frank's lifetime dedication to Children, please donate to makeawishfoundation.com
Malinow & Silverman Mortuary
800/710-7100
.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Dec. 19, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Lerner

172 Entries

Mike Iwasiwka

December 17, 2024

I remember Frank being very vocal in Southwest Anaheim Little League! he always stood up for the boys playing! he was always full of fun! My years with Frank in Little League were very memorable! A preview of what was to come in high school baseball ! Good Times! Enjoy Heaven FranK!!

Jim Trentin

December 13, 2024

I remember frank i gave you a birthday gift at your front door, you said jimmie come upstairs, i was afraid you said i am not in trouble, i called you everyday how am i doing you said jimmie if the phone doesnot ring i will give you games, get the hell out of here, i hope you learn something in life, thank you for the gift and have a great day.

Michael w Iwasiwka

December 13, 2022

Frank there was only one you! You helped so many of us! You will never be Forgotten! Mike Iwasiwka

Mike Iwasiwka

December 13, 2020

Frank was a mentor and a great umpire and will never be forgotten!

Nick Fuscardo

December 13, 2020

Frank umpired a game at FJC. There was a “bang-bang” play at home and Frank called our runner “out”! Of course, I ran out to question the call, telling him that the runner was tagged before he got to the plate! He stuck with his guns and stayed with his call. We ended up losing the game. Frank called me the next morning and asked me if he could come watch the play? We taped the game and I told him that it wasn’t necessary to come and look at the tape. He told me that he had a hard time sleeping and would like to see the play! So he comes over and we replayed the call. It was very close and a tough call at game speed, but when you slowed it down, it showed that we just did tag the runner. Frank was very apologetic and felt so bad. I told him that if I was calling that play, I probably would have called him safe too! Frank Lerner was really a good man and there aren’t many guys who would have reacted as he did. That is one reason that we remained friends and all of his friends feel the same way. RIP Frankie.

Brian Remmel

October 3, 2018

Coach Lerner was a man that I held in high regard and whom I admired tremendously in my youth. As with the many other young men that Frank helped guide, I benefited from his instruction both on and off the field. Coach Lerner expected the best from you and encouraged you when you needed it. I'll never forget our Anaheim Chargers team and his leadership. A precious memory that I have of Coach Lerner was on my first Freshman football game. I was very nervous. As a captain, I walked across the field to the coin toss and who was there, Coach Lerner as one of the referees. He looked at me and said, "hi Brian!", with the huge smile and all of my butterflies disappeared. Here was my Coach and leader. Thank you for inspiring me, teaching me leadership, and encouraging my tenacity. All of which I have you Frank to thank which are serving me well in my life today. To his family, I wish you all my prayers and blessings. With his many lessons, he is with us always.

Matt Atkinson

January 17, 2018

Frank was a person I would never forget. I was on his undefeated 1979 Anaheim Chargers Pop Warner football team. We were the best team around. I look back at his dedication to teaching young kids like myself at the time about football and how to work for what you want in life. He has never left my memories and that is saying quite a bit since it was almost 40 years ago. We need more people like him in this world. You were one of a kind Frank! God bless.....

Dell Lewis

January 7, 2007

I met Frank in 1961. We shared the same career path for over 35 years. He was my best friend for over 45 years. We enjoyed family inclusion on both sides, shared our successes and failures and experienced the good life together, as good friends should.
Approaching 80 years of age will not permit me another friendship of such tenure, nor would I expect to find another friend whose loyalty could match Franks.
He was truly "one of a kind" and is sorely missed by those who really knew him.
Bless Lil and all his loving family.

Kevin Wilk

January 5, 2007

My Uncle Frank touched so many lives, and it is heartwarming to see how his positive influence rubbed off on so many. He truly was one of a kind, and he will be missed.

I love you Uncle Frank

Marshall Allen

January 1, 2007

Frank,
I still remember my first OCBOA meeting as if it were yesterday. (10 yrs).Papa Bear. Who is Papa Bear? It didn't take long to find out who Papa Bear was and why the handle. You were Papa to so many of us young officials when we started our officiating careers. I will always remember that quite gently man with the enduring smile. Thanks for being a mentor and a friend. I will surely miss those corny jokes, but OH!! thanks for the MEMORIES!

My sincerest condolences to the Lerner Family. May you find peace knowing what GREAT man Frank is and many loved him. He will undoubtedly be missed on and off the field.

Nick Fuscardo

December 30, 2006

So very sorry to hear of our losing such a great person. Frank was a good friend who truly enjoyed life. The neat thing about Frank was that he never took himself so seriously. He enjoyed working games and more than that, enjoyed the comaraderie with coaches and players. I will miss seeing Frank, he always had a smile on his face. Frankie, they must have had a big game upstairs and needed you to be there. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

linda ott

December 29, 2006

i worked with frank in collections for several years.he always had a joke 2 tell.he made me laugh.may heaven welcome you with open arms.i will miss you

teresa eberwein

December 27, 2006

I have had the honor of knowing Frankie since before I was born :) He was a friend of my parents and a real friend to me. I had the honor (or curse) of working with Frank at the time of his retirement. I never did anything wrong in his eyes. He was my biggest fan. Love to all the Lerners...and remember, don't mix the milk a daka with the flesh a daka (this means dont eat meat and drink milk at the same time.
Sincerest Condolences -
Teresa Eberwein nee Cusack

Greg Locy

December 26, 2006

Frank was a dear friend and will be sorely missed. His loving and caring character as depicted in all of the heart-felt entries before me demonstrate what a truly amazing man Frank was to all of us.
As a rookie official in 1995 I worked one of my first games with Frank and Henri DeCambra at Buena Park HS. I was nervous and unsure of myself and worried about making good calls.Frank immediately put me at ease by explaining that he didn't really know what he was doing either and to just relax and have fun.
A few months before Frank's death, he approached me at a football meeting and explained to me he coached little league against my team in the Anaheim City Championship back in 1976. We talked about how his team won the championship 1-0 in a close contest. That is how I will remember Frank. "a friend,a mentor and a Champion". Thank you Frank.
My deepest sympathies to Franks family and friends.

Don Lee

December 25, 2006

A dear friend whom I respect and will miss very much.He was a kind humorous and good friend with a lot of heart.

Cindy & Jennifer Eaton

December 25, 2006

Frank has been a friend of our family for over 40 years.
We miss him and still can't believe that he's gone.

As I looked around at the hundreds of friends that came to his funeral, I was amazed that so many people found out about his death and made time to be there within just a couple of days of his passing. That's a testament to the love that everyone felt for this man and his family.

Frank was all about family and friends - everyone could rely on him - that's what I loved about him the most.

Franks son Mark gave a moving and touching eulogy and I learned a lot about the man that I always thought looked like Tony Bennett!

Frank's children and grandchildren were his reason for living. He seems to have instilled in them the same sense of love and family pride.

He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He and Lil would fill their days running from one activity to another - going to the movies and ball games, visiting with friends, working, attending family activities - making time for everything and everyone. All of our lives are changed now with this gentle man gone, but never forgotten.

How lucky we all are to have been a part of Frank Lerner's extended family of friends -

Thank you for your years of friendship, encouragement and love - rest in peace sweet Frankie...

Duane Perry

December 25, 2006

Frank, you will be missed by all you have touched..You have paved the way for us all to follow. Thank you very much for all the knowledge....

Steve Gladman

December 25, 2006

Frank was a great man and I will miss talking with him. God bless his family

SERGIO GONZALEZ

December 23, 2006

A LIFE LOST IS AN ANGEL GAINED. HE WAS A GREAT MAN AND WILL ALWAYS BE KEPT IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER. HE IS SMILING DOWN ON EVERYONE CHEERING ON THAT WE CONTINUE HES GREAT STRENGHT AND COURAGE, FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS. WE LOVE YOU

Dean Holmes

December 23, 2006

There are only a handful of people who touch other's hearts and Frank was truely one of them. His soft spoken demeanor, kind words to all and undying passion for his family and friends will be missed by all who knew him. As one of God's servants, Frank showed everyone he came in contact with how God intended us to act.
While is no longer with us on Earth, he will always have a place in our hearts and minds. That special place that only family and the closest of friends get placed.
My deepest sympathies go to Lillian and the rest of Frank's family.

Ray Carvalho

December 23, 2006

Frank will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. But what a legacy he left all of us! At his services I was touched by the loving words his family spoke when they shared their memories with those attending.
Frank's family will always have a fortune in rich and loving memories.
Frank gave of himself just as his creator wanted him to.
As a member of the brotherhood of officials I can witness as to the
love and guidance he displayed through out Orange County. Collectively we will all miss him.
We have been left with a shining example to follow

Gary Gilman

December 22, 2006

We will miss you Papa Bear.....your passion, your corny jokes, your mentoring. Each memory is special, and we will cherish each of them forever.

You have taught us well -- to fight bravely, to treat each other with respect, to have passion & enthusiasm, but most importantly, to love. And not be afraid to tell those in your life you love them, as you & I did. Because sometimes life isn't fair. Sometimes the Coach pulls you in the 7th, when you were looking to pitch a complete game. You go to the bench, and the rest of us are left to ponder why? I guess the Coach has a different plan for you now.

May God bless your soul, Papa Bear, and may God Bless your family, and each and every person that knew & loved you.

Roz Rawlings

December 21, 2006

Frank Lerner was a warm,wonderful
person. I had the opportunity
to officiate Basketball with
Frank.
He will be greatly missed by the
association. He was involved with
the PAL program, in the Diocese
of Orange.

Love and Prayers to the Family

jim trentin

December 21, 2006

frank kept me in the officiating business, gave me advice, motivated me, always found time for me, help difficult people, touch on people, help me get letters from the elite people, i know he is assigning in heaven when i get to heaven someday, frank assign me some games, i give my condolences to the lerner family god bless them

Paul Waldrop

December 21, 2006

Frank was absolutely incredible. He will be missed by many.
Best memory: Frank working my games when I played at Savanna H.S.(1991-94)
He always had a smile and words of encouragement no matter what.

John Marquez

December 20, 2006

Frank will be missed in so many arenas and by so many whoms lives he touched.

I feel honored to have known him if only for 5 or so years.

David Done

December 20, 2006

Frank – All who knew or met you, will miss you. You left an imprint on me during your time as my Pop Warner coach in Anaheim. I was always so happy to see and talk with you when you would officiate games when I became a coach myself. The youth of Orange County have lost a great friend and mentor.

David Moreno

December 20, 2006

Frank is a man that I will always remember , and will be in thought and prayers for ever, God bless him.

David Gellatly

December 20, 2006

Frank Lerner was a class act both on, and off the field. He gave unselfishely to youth sports for so many years. Frank has left this earth for a better place, but we know his legacy lives on in so many people who were blessed to know him. We all know he will be rewarded in heaven for his works on earth.

On behalf of the San Clemente High School baseball program, I would like to offer our condolences to the Lerner family.

Rich Kollen

December 20, 2006

Frank will be missed by so many people. The fanmily and friends who spoke at his services did and excellent job describing Frank and his wonderful life.

Mark Youngdahl

December 20, 2006

We all lost a great man and friend.
Benevolent is defined as expressing goodwill or kindly feelings, good, kind and charitable.
That was Frank, to those that were lucky to know him and to those that had not yet had the fortune of knowing him.
Family, friends, fun and fair was Frank's life.
He will be remembered by all with a warm heart.
My deepest condolences go out to Lillian and the Lerner family.

jody pinesett

December 20, 2006

To the Lerner family -- May God grant you always: Laughter to cheer; Faithful friends near; When you pray heaven to hear. My thoughts and prayers to you all.

Carl Martin

December 20, 2006

Frank will be sourly missed in the Southern California Officiating community by those who officated, coached, or played the games. He was a man of high character and ethics on and off of the field. He was always there if you had a question or a request. God Bless Frank and his family.

Ken Novak

December 20, 2006

To Frank, You were a wonderful friend and I was honored to have known you. I am a better person for the times we shared. I always felt a special relationship when we talked, and I am happy to see many others also thought of you in similar glowing terms. Words can't possibly say how much you will be missed. Fortunately, you left a legacy for us to follow in how to be a faithful friend, father, husband, and referee with passion.
To Lilian, Thank you for allowing us to know you too as his "better half". You are amazing and also much loved by us. Thank you for sharing Frank with us, and letting me be a little part of your lives being your handyman and fix-it guy when you needed help. If I can help in any way - please let me know. God Bless You Richly!

Matt Teig

December 20, 2006

Frank was the first official I was able to contact when I arrived in OC some 5 years ago. He got me started in the right direction here, and for that I cannot thank him enough. He was a great man and will be dearly missed.

Lee Walton

December 20, 2006

My condolence to Frank's family. The memories of your good times, I pray, will see you through the rough times. May God be with all of you.

louis Delgado

December 20, 2006

Mr. Lerner, it was a pleasure dealing with you my friend, you were a gentleman and a professional. You impacted a lot of us young umpires. I am most impressed with all the peoples hearts you touched. God Bless youl

Jeff Doss

December 20, 2006

My family's prayers go out to Frank's family as they go through their mourning. Frank was a terrific human being and always had a smile on his face. His dedication to youth sports goes beyond being an assignor for us. He believed in us even when we were unsure about ourselves. He once assigned me as a ref for a freshmen reserve game. When I expressed my reservations about only being a 4th yr official, he assured me that I could do it. We all wanted to do our best for Frank because he did his best for all of Orange County. We are left mourning for ourselves but we celebrate that Frank has entered into God's presence.

Bob Stierstorfer

December 20, 2006

For the 20plus years that I have known Frank, I have never known him to have a cross word for anyone. He was an inspiration for all.

Wayne Johnson

December 20, 2006

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived

Lou Neubecker

December 20, 2006

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived. RIP my Friend, Between you and Bill Hudson I know I will have a full set of assignments, when my time comes.

German Reyna

December 19, 2006

Mr. Frank Lerner left a lasting impression on me as an official and as person off the field. I will never forget a situation I was involved in which made it back to Mr. Lerner's ears. His gracious advise to me (to slow down my timing) was to mentally say, "yaba daba doo". It worked. I will miss him. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Lerner family. His legacy will continue to live on because he has touched so many.

Fochen Horton

December 19, 2006

It's been an honor and a pleasure to have known a man of such great character, Frank we'll miss you! God Bless you and your family.

Roy Miller

December 19, 2006

Frank was the consummate official. His legacy will live on. Your work here on earth is now done. May you rest in peace Frank.

Ted Dickinson

December 19, 2006

Frank was like every one's uncle always had something good to say about everybody, if you needed some extra money he was always there to give you some extra games.
Frank was a very good friend and will be missed dearly!!!

Dave Torres

December 19, 2006

The prep and youth sport scene in Orange County will miss Frank dearly. His heart was always in it "for the kids". He helped so many athletes, coaches, athletic directors and officials on a daily basis. He always had time for you no matter how busy he may have been. On behalf of Anaheim High School we would like to offer our our sincere sympathy for your loss. We will all miss Frank tremendously

Steve Wilson

December 19, 2006

A smile, a friendly word, the twinkle in his eye... Frank was always a pleasure to be around. I will miss his enthusiasm and friendly persona. God Bless Frank and the Lerner Family.

Jeanne Gates

December 19, 2006

A man dedicated to sports, fairness, generosity, and kids, Thanks Frank.

Mike Iwasiwka

December 19, 2006

Always a kind word, always knew what to say on the field,always had a smile for you and made you feel special, that was the Frank I knew.Lillan may God be with you.

Kris Locken

December 19, 2006

Our love and prayers are with you and your family as you return to Our Father who sent you to us. Frank, you have been a great example to us all.

Javier Navarro

December 19, 2006

Papa Bear the name is a definition of his personality, he could make you laugh, giggle and smile instantly. What a great friend to have, we were all very lucky. Frank I will miss you my friend.

Dennis Burke

December 19, 2006

I knew Frank from working games with him and always found him to be be a man of integrity. He will be greatly missed. My sympathies to his family.

Larry Goldenberg

December 19, 2006

My sincerest condolences to the Lerner family on the loss of this fine gentleman.The turnout to say farewell to you speaks volume about the kind of person you were. Unfortunately, I wasn't around long enough to get to know you well. Standing room only...what a turnout! It was only fitting. May your soul live eternally.

Dennis Burke

December 19, 2006

I knew Frank from working games with him and always found him to be be a man of integrity. He will be greatly missed. My sympathies to his family.

Mod Vega

December 19, 2006

To the Lerner family. Frank was as good to us as a friend, as he was to you as a husband, father, or granfather. He will be missed by us all, God bless and watch over you.

Colin Nesbitt

December 19, 2006

I knew of Frank because of my association with the Orange County Football Officials Association. I was just starting my second year as an official when I bumped into Frank in the Oncology Ward at St. Joseph's Hospital in the City of Orange. I was visiting my father who was in the very next room to Frank battling his own form of caner. I spent many nights visiting he and Lillian after seeing my Dad. I'd vowed to work Pop Warner this year and help him out when ever I could. Gary Gilman did a great job in assisting Frank scheduling all of us officials. I had the time of my life working Pop Warner games. I've heard nothing but great stories about the kind of man Frank was. I only wish I had starting officiating many years ago, so I could've taken advantage of his knowledge of the game and nurtured our friendship even further. What an example you were as you battled ferociously to the very end Frank. I only happy to see that you are no longer suffering. I'll miss you Frank Lerner. I'm thankful for the short friendship we had. God Bless you, Lillian and your wonderful loving family.

P.S. Say "Hi" to my dad in Heaven. The two of you will be quite a pair up there! Until we meet again, with fondest memories, your friend Colin Nesbitt.

Ted Henderson

December 19, 2006

If it wasnt for you Frank, I would never had the pleasure of knowing HS baseball. I will miss you dearly, Thanks for the great time at breakfast. God Bless you Lilian,and the Learner family.

jim trentin

December 19, 2006

frank i was your go to guy, your monday caller, you have been a great friend to me, always for the underdog, i will see you in heaven someday

Tim Regan

December 19, 2006

Frank will be missed by all those whose lives he touched. He never had a bad word to say about anybody and there wa never anyone who helped me more in this world of referees than the very accommodating Frank. He always was willing to help me at any time and the world is a more fortunate place to have let us known Frank Lerner. In his better place I hope the Big Bruin is smiling on us right now. My deepest sympathies to the entire extended Lerner famiy.

RIch Bryant

December 19, 2006

Going to miss ya Frank, GREAT friend.

Dan Castillo

December 19, 2006

You were an insperation to alot of us especially myself, Thanks for the memories

Scott Mansfield

December 19, 2006

Frank was a "Hall of Fame" human being. I enjoyed my time being associated with him through the OCBOA and have only positive thoughts about him. He will be missed.

Evan Hughes

December 19, 2006

Heaven has gained a great man & we have lost a great man. I was looking forward to seeing him at the OCBOA meetings this Spring. God Bless Frank and his wonderful family and his many friends.

Tony Padilla

December 19, 2006

Frank was always the man behind the scence. Never wanting to be out front, but because of the type of man he was, that is were he was. Honest and fair. I will never forget the things he helped me with in life and officiating. We all loss a good friend and a mentor. Prays to his family and friends becaue we all loss.

Bob Striffler

December 19, 2006

I had met Frank in the late 1970s; as a favor from Tom & Pat Parker, on a field where he was coaching/practicing with a young Pop Warner team.
{Mr. & Mrs. Parker had joined my Girls FP Softball Corporation, and I would help their Assocoation.}

In that begining, and for some years afterward; Frank was always a "keen source" of the "how tos" in reaching & instructing our youth. My brother and I, last time of seeing Frank & his wife was at the end of OCFOA in the stadium in Santa Ana, where they both were pointing out particulars during a very hard hitting game in the cold.
I had left the country for Iraq shortly after that game, and finally got back to enjoy this past season.

In these years, I had never seen or heard of anyone having a grudge or attitude with this man; that amounted to much.
Truly, he had the heart and expression coupled with the compassion to teach our youth!
Surely, Frank has entered the Kingdom along with other fine saints who have gone before him!

Jeannie Gardner

December 19, 2006

I had the pleasure of meeting Frank at where else, a basketball game. What a fine, personable gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with the Lerner family.

Ken Allan

December 19, 2006

Frank will long be remembered for his dedication to officiating and the encouragement and guidance he has given to officials, young and old alike over the years. He was a wonderful friend and will be deeply missed.

Nat Miller

December 19, 2006

"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."

Roger Carlson

December 19, 2006

When I first started basketball officiating, Frank worked a few games with me and helped me through my first couple of years.

He was a true professional and loved what he was doing.

My prayers go out to his family.

Ryan DeYoung and Family

December 19, 2006

Frank Lerner passed on many qualities while coaching in youth sport leagues throughout Orange County. I think of hard work, dedication and great character.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lerner Family.

Nadine & Phyllis Nguyen

December 19, 2006

I'll miss Frank deeply as a Grandpa & Mentor. I haven't seen Frank for several years, but I still remember him as a person who was always willing help me when I first started officiating. Thank You Frank for everything you've done for me, and I'll truly miss you. I'd like to express my deepest Condolences to the entire Lerner family. May god bless you & your family in this time of sorrow.

Scott Robinson

December 19, 2006

Lillian,

I first met Frank when he was the referee coordinator for Orange/Villa Park/Elmo NJB. He always had a smile on his face. He will be missed at our SOCBOA board meetings. I will miss coming over to the house to go over the roster with Frank. We had a great time. I live close, so if you need anything, let me know.
Marisela and I offer our deepest sympathy.

Gary Denning

December 19, 2006

The world has lost a great human being today. I am thankful to have officiated games with Frank and see his wonderful support and friendship. I will miss you.
My deepest condolences to the Lerner family.

Coach Stalin Ramirez

December 19, 2006

Thank you for everything you've done on and off the field. Our coaches appreciate your dedication to all sports programs. We will miss you.

William Mashburn

December 19, 2006

Frank, you will be missed by a lot of people. You were always for the kids. A lot of people say it but you lived it. It been a long time since the days of Loara Little League. You got me started umpiring way back when.

bob flint

December 19, 2006

This is one great loss for the high school sports scene. One of the most professional officials has been called to a bigger field. Heaven will be thrilled to have Frank making all the right calls. I'll never coach another game wthout thinking of Frank every time I see the umpiring crew on the field

STEPHEN/MAUREEN WILSON

December 19, 2006

Going to be missed by many and it will be Great knowing Frank is watching us on the atheltic fields,AND IN LIFE as we all apply what we learned from him.Prayers and love to the family at this time.

Roger Walwick

December 19, 2006

Lillian, you may remember I was associated with Frank from a different time in our lives. Back when our industry was growing like a teenager. Frank was a leader then with all the same characteristic that so many have bestowed on him in refereeing.

george inlay

December 19, 2006

god bless you frank you where a great freind and leader in the o.c both for pop warner football high school football and baseball he help me get to where iam today my thought and prayer go out to the entire lerner famley

Lindsay Silverman

December 19, 2006

Papa Frank, you were a special man to me and I will miss you dearly. Thank you for all the hugs and laughs.

Larry Silverman

December 19, 2006

When thinking of Frank many thoughts and feelings come to mind. Kindness however, was his most endearing quality. Poppa Frank saw the good in everyone and always had an encouraging word. My family and I are better people because of you Frank.

Dave Lappin

December 19, 2006

The loss of Frank leaves a tremendous void in high school athletics.So many coaches, players and officials benefitted from his professionalism and integrity. yet, his greatest gift to us all was his kindness and the sheer joy for sports that he exuded. I am certain, as each new sports season begins, we will all be inundated with reminders of Frank and how much he'll be missed. On behalf of myself and Loara High School, I'd like to express my deepest condolences to the entire Lerner family.

Frank Raimondi

December 19, 2006

I haven't seen Frank for several years but still remember him as a person that was always willing help me when I first started referring. I know I am only one of hundreds people that Frank went out of his way to help, not only in officiating but throughout his life. He will be missed.

Jeff Scherer

December 19, 2006

Frank was a mentor to me and for that I will always be grateful. Frank will always be in mind. Thank you Frank for everything you've done for me, I will truly miss you. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Don Russell

December 19, 2006

In my experience, Frank always handled the game assignment task with honesty and integrity. At meetings, he always had a smile, a warm handshake, and a good joke to share. Frank will be missed both on and off the sports' fields. I'm confident God will approve of his strike zone!

Todd Cook

December 19, 2006

Frank was a genuine and kind person. He was an inspiration to me an many others whose lives he touched.

Steve Fryer

December 19, 2006

Frank was very helpful to me over the years. He was very generous with his time and knowledge. Right now, he is assigning angels to cover their duties ... "Clarence, there is a George Bailey on Earth who needs your help ... "

Larry Clawson

December 19, 2006

I knew Frank thru OCBOA and it was always a pleasure to work with him because he remembered your name. It made me feel more than just a member, more like a friend.

Mike Caster

December 19, 2006

I was intoduced to Mr. Lerner a few years back through Dan Cuellar Jr. I vividly recall that meeting today. The firt thing Frank said to me after our introductions was, "when are you leaving Long Beach and joining our unit?"I remember that becuase he asked me with pride for his unit and respect for me, and no disrespect for the L.B. unit. After joing the unit, I cannot put correctly into words how the man treated me. He treated me as if he had known me for many years. In my amatuer officiating "career" I have never run across a more genuine and professional human being. He was and is what we should all strive to be as amatuer officials; professional, approacheable, and truly loving to officiate. He was never bigger than the game he was involved with. He was a leader and mentor. Of what I got to know of him, he would be embarrassed by all these accolades. I am a better man for having known him. May God continue to bless you Mrs. Lerner and your family through this difficult time. His kindness will never be forgotten.

Don Ariosto

December 19, 2006

Papa Bear will be missed by everyone. He was a kind man and a man of his word. His smile and kindness touched everyone. One of many phrases "no ticky no ticky" would always get a laugh from everyone. Frank always appreciated and respected people and life. He will be missed by everyone.

Thomas Wollam

December 19, 2006

The adjectives that describe the best of mankind apply to Frank Lerner: Courage, Tenacity, Dignity, and Grace. He was an easy man to know. Every time we worked together on the football field or upon greeting each other, a smile, friendly greeting, and the question “What is the latest joke you heard”? He would listen to my joke, then tell me his. We both would laugh and then go on our own way. These associations were simply but meaningful.

To the Lerner Family – My thoughts and prayer are with you at this time.

Mark Belgen

December 19, 2006

The last game that I did with Frank was a BVAR game at Beckman HS last year. He loved officiating there. Frank and I used to talk about our coaching experiences in football. He was the Head Coach for the Orange Chiefs and I was a Head Coach for the Mission Viejo Cowboys. Two rival organizations. What great stories he had. Frank was a true friend that you could talk to and count on. He was blessed to have such a lovely wife and really great kids, which he talked about often. I know that I can speak for all of the Belgen Family when I say that we will all greatly miss him. God Bless you Frank.

Tony Mannara, Jr.

December 19, 2006

Starting soon after graduating high school, I was one of many young, aspiring officials to whom Frank provided opportunity and unconditional support and for that alone I can't thank him enough. More than anything, though, he was a mentor, a dear man and a valued friend. He will be deeply missed, but I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to see him flash that sly grin on many occassions. Condolences to the Lerner family...thank you so much for sharing Papa Bear with all of us.

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