Frank Tintera

Today, we gather to celebrate the remarkable life of a man who was truly one of a kind — Frank Tintera, lovingly known to so many as “Top Banana.” To his children he was Dad or Pops, to others Tío, Abuelo, Coach, or simply friend. No matter the name, everyone who knew him felt the same: to know Frank was to love him.

Born on March 6, 1938, and leaving us on August 31, 2025, Frank’s 87 years were filled with love, laughter, service, and an unwavering devotion to family.

Frank was the youngest of ten children, and from early on he carried with him the lessons of resilience, faith, and family loyalty that would define his life. He served his country proudly in the Navy, embodying duty and honor, before planting deep roots in the world of tropical fruits and palm trees. His entrepreneurial spirit was matched only by his sense of humor and warmth. To his friends, he was not only a coach in sports and in business but also a coach in life — teaching by example what it meant to live with kindness, integrity, and generosity.

Above all, Frank was a family man. Together with his beloved wife Jennie — his “Chiquita,” his right hand, his partner in all things — they built a legacy of love that lives on in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Frank was a devoted father to James (Susie), Belinda (Dave), Kenny (Charm), Thomas (Lisa), and Roseann (Gene). His role as Abuelo and Great-Abuelo brought him endless joy. His grandchildren — James M., Joshua, Philip (Brittany), Chase (Samantha), Felicia (Cody), Nikki (Daniel), Madison (Bryce), Blake, and Catalina (Jonathon) — and his great-grandchildren — Mia, Philip O., Beau, Marlee, Beckett, and Levi — were his pride and joy. He cheered them on at games, celebrated their milestones, and made sure they always knew how deeply loved they were.

Frank had a gift for making everyone feel like family. He had a knack for bringing people together — organizing gatherings, sharing stories, and making sure laughter was always present. He loved sports games, he loved his plants, and he especially loved the joy of playing cards with friends and family, where his competitive spirit was always matched with humor and fun.

Frank was also a history guru. He loved family history, and he cherished every story he uncovered about his roots. When he met new people, he was eager to learn about their origins too, always seeking to understand and connect on a deeper level. He loved to travel, to explore, and to discover the world’s stories — both past and present.

And when it came to cheering for sports, Frank’s loyalty was limitless. He supported all the Florida college teams — USF, FSU, and UF — and was known to wear all his team hats at the same time, grinning ear to ear. He was a devoted Tampa Bay Lightning fan, and he loved cheering on the Tampa Bay Rays as well as the Buccaneers. No matter the sport, his enthusiasm was contagious.

Frank’s legacy continues not only through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren but also through his beloved sister Dahlia (Tia DeeDee), who carries on his family’s story.

We remember him as a man of humor and kindness, someone who never met a stranger, and whose presence could light up any room. To know Frank was to love him. And to love him was to be blessed by one of the gentlest, most generous souls on earth.

As we say goodbye, we also rejoice that Frank is reunited with his Jennie, his Chiquita, in heaven. Together again, they are no doubt smiling down on this beautiful family they built, hand in hand, as they always were.

Frank leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and kindness that will never fade. Though he will be missed deeply, his spirit lives on in each of us — in the way we love, in the way we laugh, and in the way we gather as family.

Services for Frank Tintera will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Gonzalez Funeral Homes in Tampa, Florida. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Service at 11:00 a.m. and Gravesite prayers at 12:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at the home of Gene and Roseann Teston.

Rest easy, Top Banana. We love you, Dad, Pops, Abuelo, and friend — and we will carry your legacy forward.

"In lieu of flowers we are suggesting family & friends to buy a fruit or palm tree to plant in their yard, in memory of Frank. Or if you prefer to use A Tree to Remember, they will plant a tree in his memory. - link here - https://www.memorialtree.com/"