Franklin A. Vasos Sr.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Franklin A. Vasos Sr., affectionately known as "Father Frank," 86, passed away September 29, 2011, in Scottsdale, Ariz., after a long battle with cancer, as well as a recently diagnosed heart condition. He was born August 15, 1925, in New York City. After high school, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943. After three years of service and an honorable discharge, he attended Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa. He joined Phi Lambda Theta fraternity and graduated from Bucknell in 1949 with a B.S. degree in Economics and Business and Commerce. He was employed by four automobile dealers in the NYC area, during which time he met his lovely wife-to-be, Rose Marie Armao, when he sold her parents a car. They married on April 24, 1954. They purchased a home in Garden City, N.Y., on Long Island, and their first two children were born (all referred to in car model years), Frank Jr. (a 1958 model) and Barbara (a 1960 model). Frank and a partner opened an automobile dealership, Cedar Motors in Farmingdale, N.Y., on Long Island. They sold pre-owned vehicles and then added the new car franchises of SAAB, Volvo and BMW.

In 1962, Frank sold his dealership and the family moved to Rutland, Vt., where he built a brand new General Motors dealership named Franklin Pontiac, Cadillac & Fiat. He later purchased multiple National Car Rental franchises as well. During the Vermont years, another daughter was born, Carolyn (a 1966 model). In 1977, Frank and Rose Marie opted for warmer weather, sold the dealership and moved the family to Scottsdale, Ariz. But after retiring at age 52, Frank soon realized he would not be content chasing golf balls and basking in the sun and became involved in real estate developing and investing. He also sat on the board of directors of a local bank, Scottsdale's Planning & Approval Board and 17 years on the Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Commission. He was active in many service organizations including Rotary International, Lions Club, American Legion and Masonic Lodge. Most recently, Frank actively enjoyed volunteering with the El Zaribah Shriners in Phoenix. Frank also believed that travel is one of the best forms of education so he, Rose Marie and their family enjoyed traveling the world.

Frank was a husband, father, grandfather and brilliant businessman. Those who knew him well knew he was full of life and more than anything he loved to make people laugh. Those who did not know him well knew him within moments of him entering any room. He was a significant "presence" and he will be greatly missed by all.

Frank is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rose Marie (Armao) Vasos; their three children, Frank Vasos Jr. (Surprise, Ariz.), Barbara (Vasos) Hallin and her husband Bruce (Scottsdale, Ariz.) and Carolyn (Vasos) Fidler and her husband Brian (Phoenix, Ariz.); five grandchildren, Michael Vasos-Aust 22, Adam Hallin 19, Ashley Vasos-Aust 18, Phoenix Fidler 8, and Everest Fidler 6. Frank is also survived by his son, Lonny Sheets (Cincinnati, Ohio); a granddaughter, Dana (Sheets) Resing; and two great-grandchildren, Michael Resing and Sara Resing.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. at Messinger's Pinnacle Peak Mortuary located at 8555 East Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Franklin Vasos Sr. to the following organizations: Hospice of the Valley, Fund Development, 1510 East Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014; Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 13400 East Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259; El Zaribah Shrine, 552 North 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85008.