Way back in 1960, I walked partway home from school every day.  I always stopped off at the Isaly's store on the Diamond, to wait for my mother to pick me up on her way home from work.  This is where I became acquainted with Frank, who was the manager of the Isaly's.  Although I was just a kid in high school, we became good friends.  When my brother in law became a big shot with Morgan's 15 cent hamburgers carry out on State Street Hill, I mentioned to him that Frank would like a job there.  He got hired.  Frank returned the favor to me and hired me as the French fry chef after school.  At the age of 16, I was very naïve about the birds and the bees.  My mother had left a book out for me to read, but all it taught me was that I would go blind if I did certain no nos.  Frank was an adult that I could talk to, and ask questions.  Had it not been for him, I would have no idea why women get crabby all of a sudden.  I've always held Frank dear to my heart, sort of like Aristotle's followers did. He was my mentor.  One thing he said that I never forgot was about his wife having a heavy foot when she drove. He said that she used State Street hill as a launch pad.  I have not seen Frank since 1961, although he did call me a few years ago about a picture he had of me.  He said he would send it to me, but that never happened.  I always wanted to see him one more time to tell him how much he meant to me in my teenage years.  I'm very sorry to hear that he passed away.  He was a terrific guy.

How I met Frank. It was during the summer back in Ohio. Linda and Helen worked together in a greenhouse and became friends. Helen had talked of Franks vast collection of snakes. She mentioned Frank was having a program at a summer camp for kids one evening. Why don't we come and meet him? It was later in the day and the program was winding down when we arrived. Now I must confess when it comes to me and snakes there is no one more scared on this planet than I, and it became very evident to Frank when we met. Since Frank's program was now over and he was gathering his equipment, Linda thought it would be nice to give him some help. All the snakes had their own glass cases, and there were many to say the least. Now at this point I could feel my stomach turn over, and Frank knew what I was going through. As we started to gather things to put in his vehicle, me avoiding at all costs the snake cases, Frank had other ideas. The first thing he did was grab the case with the meanest snake making sure that the glass was facing me as he handed it over. Little did I know at that moment, a lasting friendship with this most unusual guy was about to start. Oh I guess we could write a book on our years thereafter, so much fun and laughter, but the memories will remain with me until the good Lord calls. Just maybe I will bump into my friend once again.

One of our fondest Frank memories;
The zoo had a 12 foot python for Frank. Could we possibly pick it up and keep  it until someone came to pick it up-just a week or  two? Sure Frank, be glad to. Chuck was less then enthusiastic. Chuck tossed together a wooden box to carry it in and off we went. When Chuck Vorcheck put that snake in a tub to give it water, it was like a jolt of electricity-it was lunging at him and striking and trying to get out. When he saw the 5 lb weights we had to hold the top down, he said " you better sit on it! ". When Frank received it he got bitten on the hand taking it out of the box. It was mad. He passed it on to a friend in Florida.The bottom fell out of the box in the airport. Luckily, Frank had put the snake in a pillow case. The fellow in Florida couldn't handle it so he passed it on. Frank had a newspaper article about a snake expert down there getting bitten on the head by a python. Same snake? Frank was sure of it. What I fondly remember about Frank? A lot of laughing when we got together-even over the scary situations. Then there was the Mexican beaded lizard...

Frank, you will be dearly missed. It won't be the same at a "Katie & Scott gathering" without you there. God Bless your soul.

Frank was a man that if you knew this awesome Man, you would love him. He had the biggest heart for people. I remember Frank, would do something ( practicle joke ) to you sometimes if you came over to his home. Like one time Matt and all of us were over his his house one weekend and Matts Dad went to one of the girls pocket book and put a potatoe inside. Frank did little Jokes like that to us when we came over. But the love and felling of being welcome in his home was so cool. We spent alot of time over  there, Frank will be missed here. But I know were this man is, and we will see this man again. To His family, you will be in my thoughts and my prayers.  your friend, Chris Mccall (  Meridian, Idaho )

Frank was my cousin and the best human being I ever knew.  He always thought of others. We had great times growing up with picnics and swimming and just laughing.  He was so handsome in his Marine outfit. I will miss the emails and phone calls.  In Jesus arms.

Frank was my first cousin and a great person.  Many happy childhood memories.  He was the most handsome Marine I had ever seen.  He was an absolute JOY to know.  I will miss his emails and phone conversations.  Forever in our hearts!

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Frank was my "big brother" cousin.  We grew up in New Castle, PA.  We had an awesome childhood. I have memories of swimming at Sandy Lake, picnicing at Mill Creek Park and breakfasts at Cascade Park.  We went to many carnivals and I have never seen Frank unhappy or mean.  I will miss all the phone calls and emails.  I will  never forget when Frank came home from the Marines and my grandmother hugging and kissing him - I can see it now.  I will never forget him.  Condolences to Helen and his "boys".  Love to all, Karen Doran

Frank was warm, funny, determined, and always had a fantastic tales that, if you didn't know him, might be thought to be fiction.  He knew that hot lemon & honey was the cure for all that ailed. He was a perennial optimist and knew no goal too large to conquer. His easy and charming smile, warm heart, and welcoming spirit will be missed.

Frank was a great person.  He was always warm and welcoming.  Frank always had an intersting story and he always made me laugh.  He will be missed.

Frank was one of the warmest people you could ever meet.  Each New Years Day, he would go to Scott and Katie's and make the best custom omelets ever.  He always had a kind word and a smile and his warmth and generosity will be missed.

OBITUARY

Frank W. McDermott

November 29, 1936 – June 10, 2013

Apex Funeral Home

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