Francis John "Frank" Mountain

1936 - 2021

Francis John "Frank" Mountain

Vero Beach - Mountain, Francis John. "Frank," 84 of Vero Beach, Florida, formally of Mt. Laurel, Glen Rock, Ridgewood and Long Beach Island, NJ and Cape Cod, MA. Frank was born in Jersey City, NJ in 1936 and grew up in Fairview, NJ, graduating from Cliffside Park High School in 1955 where he excelled in track and football. Frank was predeceased by his parents Harry and Peggy (née O'Neill), brothers Richard, Tom and John, and sisters Peggy, Betty and Jane. Frank is survived by his brother Patrick of Magnolia, TX. Frank graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1961 with a degree in Psychology and served in the United States Marine Corps, honorably discharged in 1958. Frank met the love of his life, Harlie (née Benas), and married her in 1960. Together, they raised four children, Suzanne Ellinwood and husband Peter of Concord, NH, Melissa Rosa of Bethlehem, PA, Timothy and wife Noelle of Glen Rock, NJ and Kerry and wife Dawn of Somers Point, NJ. Frank was proud of his 14 grandchildren, Gordon and wife Justine, Pierce, Wyatt, Tate and Hayden Ellinwood; Linzie and husband Luis, Kelsey and Jenna Rosa; Timothy, Michela, Aidan and Maeve Mountain; and Nicole and Nathan Mountain. He was great grandfather to Saoirse and Harlan Ellinwood. Frank kept up with the lives of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and was deeply interested in their accomplishments. Frank worked from an early age delivering newspapers to help support his family and was proud of his job at Palisades Amusement Park during high school. After college, Frank worked for Meer Corporation of North Bergen, NJ. He started in the warehouse, but his easy demeanor, deep intellect and great sense of humor were soon recognized. He was promoted to sales and later worked his way up to V.P. of the company. In 1992, Frank founded Global Ingredients, Inc. He was proud of the company he created and was a kind boss and took pride in his employees. Frank spent his entire professional career in the food industry and was a beloved and respected salesman, always having a smile and a joke for his customers. Frank was an accomplished wood carver and was rarely seen without a walking stick that he was working on. He loved writing poetry, his recitations of which often bringing people to tears. His wife, Harlie, surprised him with a book she printed with over 50 of his original poems. He enjoyed tennis, starting late in life and soon becoming the club Doubles Champion at his beloved Sea Oaks Beach & Tennis Club in Vero Beach, FL where he had many friends and was the M.C. at the seasonal concerts. He coached his children in soccer, ice hockey, baseball, and basketball. Frank was generous with his time and support and loved his family. Frank and Harlie traveled the world, having visited over 50 countries. They especially loved Ireland. Frank was proud of his Irish heritage and visited nearly every year for many decades. Frank cherished the memories of family vacations in Canada, Vermont, Maine and the Caribbean, as well as hosting everyone in Cape Cod and LBI. He was loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. From one of Frank's Poems: "He's gone now, left so fast. No last thoughts, just thoughts that last." A celebration of life will be scheduled after the pandemic.