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BORN
1948
DIED
2024
Frank Monica Obituary
Frank Joseph Monica
07/19/1948 - 12/25/2024
Frank Joseph Monica, was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Nicholas Lawrence Monica and Mary Elizabeth Besase Monica. He passed peacefully on Christmas morn, at home with his loving wife, Nita, by his side and a smile on his face, as he reunited with his parents; older brother, Nick; his loyal German Shepherd, Zeus; and many men who were under his leadership, especially his best buddy, Steve DesJardins.
Serving as a Marine Sergeant during the Vietnam War, Frank cared deeply for his men in and beyond combat 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, with his brother, Mike. 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. He loved to dance with his own unique moves, which added great fun for his partner and others.
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 band Full Nelson. He had a knack for composing humorous lyrics on the spot, often weaving them into everyday moments, whether to scold, make wise-cracks or just be boyishly sweet. If we listen closely, Frank is sure to be heard singing his own versions in the heavens, accompanied by his long-time impish invisible friend, "Thaddeus."
Frank found joy in tending his garden and creating yummy delights as grill master and chef. His competitive nature shone through in family games, darts, cards, and gambling 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, fun, intelligent, smart-ass, 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 forever be remembered with love 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 and Denise Klucas, Mike and Deb Young, Spuds; and many special friends he's bonded with in Florida,
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 10th from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring live music by Wildcard Band. Another memorial will be held 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.
07/19/1948 - 12/25/2024
Frank Joseph Monica, was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Nicholas Lawrence Monica and Mary Elizabeth Besase Monica. He passed peacefully on Christmas morn, at home with his loving wife, Nita, by his side and a smile on his face, as he reunited with his parents; older brother, Nick; his loyal German Shepherd, Zeus; and many men who were under his leadership, especially his best buddy, Steve DesJardins.
Serving as a Marine Sergeant during the Vietnam War, Frank cared deeply for his men in and beyond combat 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, with his brother, Mike. 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. He loved to dance with his own unique moves, which added great fun for his partner and others.
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 band Full Nelson. He had a knack for composing humorous lyrics on the spot, often weaving them into everyday moments, whether to scold, make wise-cracks or just be boyishly sweet. If we listen closely, Frank is sure to be heard singing his own versions in the heavens, accompanied by his long-time impish invisible friend, "Thaddeus."
Frank found joy in tending his garden and creating yummy delights as grill master and chef. His competitive nature shone through in family games, darts, cards, and gambling 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, fun, intelligent, smart-ass, 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 forever be remembered with love 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 and Denise Klucas, Mike and Deb Young, Spuds; and many special friends he's bonded with in Florida,
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 10th from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring live music by Wildcard Band. Another memorial will be held 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Blade on Feb. 20, 2025.
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