Frank E. Newman Jr.

1939 - 2024

Frank E. Newman, Jr.

April 30, 1939 - June 22, 2024

Frank E. Newman, Jr., 85, of Tavares, Florida, passed away peacefully on the evening of June 22, 2024. Born on April 30, 1939, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Frank spent his early years in neighboring Strawberry Plains before moving to Toledo, Ohio when he was nine.

After graduating from Macomber High School, he began his work life at the local Chevrolet plant, and later enrolled as an apprentice glazier. Eventually working for both Trico and Ohio Plate, he later founded his own business, ProGlass. A proud member of the Glazier's Union, he excelled at his craft (measure twice, cut once) and installed many high-rise windows in the Glass City despite not being a fan of heights. Later he worked for Toledo Public Schools before settling into retirement in 2002.

Frank enjoyed golfing, motorcycle touring with wife Karen in the New England States and the Blue Ridge Parkway, and frequent trips back to Strawberry Plains to visit family and friends. Those who believe "it's the journey, not the destination", did not travel with Frank on these frequent 473-mile trips from Toledo to Strawberry Plains. Piling the family in the car at 4 a.m. and only stopping long enough to get gas to arrive by lunchtime and beat previous drive times made for interesting trips his daughters still reminisce about today.

A dedicated member of the Masons for over 40 years, as well as the Zenobia Shrine, Frank was part of the Evzones Greek unit and traveled with the group to march in parades where he proudly wore his fez and fustanella. A highlight of his participation in the Evzones was a trip to Greece, where he and Karen experienced the Greek culture firsthand along with 40 other friends.

Other travels included many annual trips to Myrtle Beach with his men's golf group, a memorable family trip to Key West to celebrate his and Karen's 50th wedding anniversary, and his well-timed trip to the Bahamas, where he and Karen spent a warm, sunny week during the Ohio blizzard of '78 (leaving their daughters in the capable hands of grandparents).

In 2015, Frank and Karen traded snow for sunshine and moved to a mobile home park in Tavares, Florida after spending winters there for 11 years. A stickler for rules, Frank was a welcome addition to their local community where he served as President of the HOA, President of the Shuffleboard Club, and organizer of the monthly Pancake Breakfast (residents often referring to him as The Pancake Man). Although good natured and friendly, he took it upon himself to loudly "encourage" drivers in the park to obey the speed limit.

Always willing to lend a hand he could be found wielding a hammer to help his daughters with home construction projects, hauling game trailers and working in the balloon dart game at his brother-in-law's carnival business, removing snow from neighbor's sidewalks, or just generally stepping up for family and friends.

Over the years Frank had a wide variety of interests including playing pool and following daughter Leslie's pool league all around Toledo, fishing with friends, playing cards, golfing, volunteering in the cart shack at Whiteford Center Golf Course, and karaoke - Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire was one of his favorites to perform.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; daughters Kendra (Mike) and Leslie (Ryan); nephews, Jim (Marianne) and Ken Durbin; nieces, Bonnie (Tony) Mohr and Kelly Johnson; and numerous great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Dolores Newman; his brother, Gene; and niece, Wanda.

A private celebration of life was held in his honor.