Francis Carlisle

CARLISLE Francis Joseph Frank Carlisle, Jr., 84, formerly of Jacksonville, FL, died Friday, March 2, 2012 in Birmingham, AL. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Carolyn Reid Carlisle, his daughter Emily Elizabeth Lisa Carlisle, his sister Virginia Carlucci Smith, his brother Joe Carlucci and his favorite dog, Bimbo. Frank was born April 11, 1927 in Bronx, N.Y. to Francis Joseph and Emily Post Carlucci. His family later moved to Huntington Beach, L.I. where he was a member of the Coast Guard Reserve and the Volunteer Fire Department. He attained the rank of Life Scout in the Boy Scouts. Frank served in the U.S. Navy in WWII. He sailed the Pacific on the USS Stentor as a radio man. Frank graduated from the University of Miami with a B.B.A. He then enrolled in the University of Miami Law School, attending at night and driving a truck for Graybar Electric Co. during the day. His remarkable productivity in his work led him to be recruited to come to company headquarters in New York and become an auditor. In 1955 on a TWA flight, Frank met the love of his life, Carolyn Reid, a stewardess. Six months later they were married. Frank and Carolyn enjoyed what he termed their 5-year honeymoon as they travelled all over the country for Graybar. In 1964, they opened a State Farm Agency in Jacksonville, FL. Frank was with State Farm for over 30 years before retiring. Frank recognized the need for laws for education of disabled children due to the challenges faced by his daughter Lisa. He got involved in politics and in the mid-1970s served 2 terms in the Florida House of Representatives. Because of Frank's work, untold numbers of disabled children in Florida obtain the education they deserve. Frank's interests included Amateur Radio and flying single engine planes. He also enjoyed being in the Knights of Columbus and the Birmingham Kappa Sigma Fraternity alumni group. Frank was an avid golfer, and made two holes in one! But Frank's family was what he most loved. Frank is survived by his devoted children Sarah Carlisle Pflaum (Mark); F.J. Carlisle III (Susan); Reid Carlisle (Kerry); and Joe Carlisle (Sharon). Frank is also survived by his grandchildren Anna Lisa and Jack Pflaum; Aiden Carlisle; Reid, Jr. and Connor Carlisle; and Kate and Sam Carlisle. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Frank's life will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 11a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Frank's name to United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, 120 Oslo Cir. Birmingham, AL 35211. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com