Franklin "Frankie" Carrion

He passed peacefully in his own home, surrounded by his family. Frankie was born on September 11, 2019, in Naples, Florida. He is the cherished youngest child of David and Deanna Carrion (Sallade) of Bonita Springs, Florida, and the beloved little brother of Bella (10) and Benjamin (7).

Frankie is also survived by his loving grandparents, Emilio and Aida Carrion of Naples, Florida, JoAnn Sallade of Easley, South Carolina, and Wayne and Vicki Sallade of Clifton, Colorado. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Daniel Sallade and Blakley Echeverry, David Sallade, and Adam and Elisa Engelhart. As well as his cousins, Yulisa Reyes, Orien Engelhart, William Engelhart, and Miles Echeverry, who all held such a special place in his heart. He leaves behind many more family members and friends who loved him deeply.

Frankie was diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) on November 18, 2024. From the moment of his diagnosis, Frankie lived for 12 beautiful full months, living each day with intention, joy, and extraordinary strength. With unbreakable courage he met every challenge with a smile that could lift the room and a bravery far beyond his years. Although he gradually lost all his mobility and speech early on, he fought tirelessly and was able to regain the use of his hands and his voice for a period. Through determination and strength, he was even able to reach a point where he could stand for a short time with assistance, and in that short time, he did it with pure determination and pride. Then even as DIPG relentlessly continued to take those abilities from him once again, Frankie never stopped trying and never stopped fighting. His courage remained steady, and his will to keep going never wavered.

One of the many inspirational moments we treasure most, just a week after his diagnosis, already feeling the physical and neurological effects of this disease, Frankie was able to play his last basketball and baseball game of the season with the heart and determination of a true champion. That same champion spirit carried him through his fight with this disease. We will always hold close as a family the memory of watching those final games that following week.

Throughout his whole life, Frankie lived with a joyful energy that touched everyone around him. He loved to play sports, especially basketball, which was one of his greatest passions. He had a bold competitive spirit and a natural athletic gift. In addition to playing sports, he was an avid fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Heat, Florida Panthers, and New York Yankees. He always cheered them on through every season with excitement and pride. He also loved superheroes, building with his hands, he could color, draw, and create for hours which was a favorite pastime that stayed with him from the very beginning to the very end. He made people laugh daily, and loved going on adventures with his family. Toes in the sand, at the beach was one of his favorite places to be. Frankie also was the dance party king, you were always walking into him dancing with his siblings, singing or just coming up with his own beats. He found comfort in all his stuffed animals, his favorite being his stuffed bear, GiGi. He was truly able to find the joy in the simple moments especially music, silly jokes, and being outdoors. More than anything, Frankie loved being with the people who loved him most. He loved so deeply his family with his whole heart.

Frankie's life was a testimony of strength, faith, and deep love filled with undeniable purpose. He will forever be remembered for his smile, bright spirit, his resilience, and bravery that inspired so many. Although his life was cut short far too soon, it was filled with such love and joy. Frankie’s impact was immeasurable for all who were privileged to of known him and he will be remembered forever.