Frank Gerald Mesich

The family of Frank Gerald Mesich announces his passing on November 22, 2023 at the age of 84. Frank is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Helen, and daughter, Mary Myers. He is lovingly remembered by his daughters Kristin Rhone (Steve), Susan Blair and Karen James; grandchildren Samantha (Jeff), Megan, Caroline, Helen Anne, Abby, Tully, Alisha and Angie; great grand ninja Stella Jean; and siblings, Margaret Thompson (John), David Mesich and Tom Mesich (Deborrah).

Frank was born in Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and finished high school in Fairmont, MN. He graduated from The Colorado College with a degree in Chemistry and completed his PhD in Nuclear Chemistry at Iowa State University before working at Celanese, a chemical company, in Corpus Christi, TX. He moved to Austin, TX in 1972, where he began his career in environmental consulting with Radian Corporation. Frank relocated to Reston, VA in 1977 and served the company as a Senior Vice President until his retirement in 1995. He loved his career as a scientist, but his true passion was music.

Frank started playing in the band in school and by college, would play local gigs to help pay his way. He was a member of many bands in each place he lived: big bands, German bands, town bands, swing bands, church bands and dixieland jazz bands, including the Buck Creek Jazz Band and A Touch of Dixie. Frank loved wearing his lederhosen for Oktoberfest events and festive Santa hats during the Christmas season. In addition to playing, Frank collected instruments, at one time amassing one of the largest brass collections in the world. He also composed music, taught and mentored musicians and students, and mastered studio recording and mixing. If anyone ever needed advice or an instrument, Frank was always there to talk or loan a horn.

Frank will be most remembered for his devotion to Helen, love and generosity to family, neighbors and friends, and musical gifts. He always had a story to share. Helen and Frank enjoyed their time together traveling the world with his music, quilting beautiful keepsakes for family and friends, and visiting with neighbors while walking their corgi Myste around the neighborhood. He will be greatly missed.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 26th from 2-4pm at Apex Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11am on Monday, November 27th at Holy Infant Catholic Church in Durham.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Save The Music Foundation at https://www.savethemusic.org/

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