Francis "Frank" Edward Reining

Francis (Frank) Edward Reining, born in Jersey City, NJ on October 22, 1940, died peacefully on February 5, 2024 at Villa Terracina for memory care in Naples, FL. He is survived by wife, Mary Crawford Reining of Marco Island, FL, sister and brother in-law Elizabeth and William Schmidt of Littleton, MA and sister and brother in law Mary and Paul Winters of New York City, NY, daughter Catherine Reining of San Francisco, CA, son Robert Reining of Newton, MA, daughter and wife Eileen and Melanie Reining of Salem, MA and son John Reining of Woonsocket, RI. Also survived by nieces Heather Schmidt of Bondi, Australia and Kristin (and husband Timothy) Zubak, grandnephews Jake and Caleb, grandniece Emme of Melrose, MA and nephews Sean Winters and Terrence Winters of New York City, NY.

Frank attended St. Patrick’s elementary school in Jersey City, then Regis High School in New York City. His undergraduate studies were completed at Fordham University 1962 in New York city where he enrolled in ROTC followed by MBA studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts 1964. He attended Executive training at Columbia University in New York City 1977.

Frank met his wife in college where they both participated in Chorus, performing shows around New York City. They married upon completion of their respective graduate programs in Mary’s hometown of Wilmington, DE in 1964. His career kept them on the move while raising a family, ultimately settling on Marco Island in 1998.

Frank held several executive positions in the chemical industry including over 30 years with Monsanto, where he completed an expat assignment in Brussels, Belgium 1979-1982. This opportunity fueled his love for travel with personal and professional destinations in Korea, Japan, Australia, Greece, Russia, Hungary and Spain as some of his most treasured experiences.

Frank was an avid aviator flying single engine planes recreationally and the occasional acrobatic rides with retired fighter pilots. Frank loved animals, all animals, and it was reciprocated with neighborhood packs of pets following him home, he leaves behind his latest feline companions Tara & Samantha. Frank served on the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Zoo 1987-1994 where he shared his passion for animals with the opening of “The Living World” center.

In retirement, Frank volunteered during elections at polling stations and made deliveries for Meal on Wheels in the Naples area driving around in his bright green Audi. Frank had a knack for horticulture, almost accidentally growing an indoor jungle. Frank was a voracious reader, often found sitting in the middle of mounds of newspapers and magazines.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10:30 am at San Marco Catholic Church, 851 San Marco Rd, Marco Island, FL.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Alzheimer’s Support Network of Naples, FL, or For the Love of Cats, Marco Island, FL.