Frank Monica

Port Orange - Frank Joseph Monica, a proud Marine and spirited entrepreneur, was born on July 19, 1948, in Toledo, Ohio, to Nicholas Lawrence Monica and Mary Elizabeth Besase Monica. He passed peacefully on Christmas morning, 2024, in Florida, with his loving wife, Nita, by his side.

He had a smile of tranquility on his face as Frank reunited with his parents, "Papa" and "Mema"; older brother Nick; his loyal German Shepherd, Zeus; and many men who were under his leadership, especially his best buddy, Steve DesJardins.

Frank served as a Marine Sergeant during the Vietnam War, where he cared deeply for his men and safeguarded ammunition depots. His dedication earned him five medals and a Marksman Badge. He lived to protect those he loved, and still does.

After his military service, Frank took over his family's business, first running Toledo Tomato and later Sunshine Produce. He then ventured into the bar industry, co-owning The Saw Mill Bar with "Buddy" Machowski before opening the beloved Hard Hat Cafe in Toledo with Kenny Lay. The Hard Hat Cafe became a launching pad for many bands, including Foghat. Frank's sharp business acumen left a lasting mark on those who knew him.

A man of many talents, Frank was also a gifted writer with a sharp wit. His works included poems and short stories, as well as the song "In No Hurry to Meet the Grand Jury," recorded by the local band Full Nelson. He had a knack for composing humorous lyrics on the spot, often weaving them into everyday moments, whether to scold, make a wise-crack or just be boyishly sweet. If we listen closely when certain music is played, Frank is sure to be heard singing his own version in the heavens, accompanied by his long-time impish invisible friend, "Thaddeus."

Frank found joy in tending his garden and crafting culinary delights as the family's grill master and chef. His competitive nature shone through in games of darts, cards, casinos, the Lottery and spontaneous bets that fueled "The Fun Fund."

Frank was definitely an acquired taste; but those who grew to love him know that he was a steadfast loyal friend, clever, intelligent, smart-a**, and loving man, even though he had his own way of showing it. He deservedly earned many nicknames such as, "Frank the Prank" for his mischievous nature, "Frank the Bank" for his pool-playing prowess and "Cranky Frankie" for his tough exterior which often covered his generous, playful, deeply caring interior.

He will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Nita; mother-in-law Lawaine Van Eyck; sister Tana (Dan) Snyder; brother Mike (Christine) Monica; nephews and nieces Jason (Chrissy) Monica, Annalisa Monica, Michael Monica II, Charles (Amber) Monica, and Janae Eilene "Irene" Crawford Monica; great-nephew Nicholas Monica; many cousins; former spouse, Jan Monica; life long best friends Sherry Lynn Fournier, Dave & Denise Klucas, Mike & Deb Young, and Spuds; special friends he's bonded with in Florida, Mike & Shannon Burke, Robbie & Kristi, Darrin "Thumper" Pierson, Ted and Ruby, Patsy, and many good buddies at the Metz and beyond.

A Military Honors Service will be held at Cape Canaveral Cemetery in Mims, FL, on May 9, 2025, at 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at Metz Bar in Daytona Beach Shores on May 10 from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring live music by Wildcard Band. Another memorial will be celebrated in Toledo on July 19, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice are appreciated. As Frank once wrote:

"Reflect on your life,

The memories you left,

The smiles you created,

The dreams you helped come true."

Frank will be missed, but his life will be celebrated EVERY DAY as his generosity and influence continues to bless many whose lives he has touched.