Franklin George Mirasola

Frank was born September 12, 1931, in Buffalo, NY to George and Sarah (Sardella) Mirasola. He was the first born of two children.

He spent his formative years in Buffalo with his extended Sicilian family. He graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in 1949. After high school, Frank attended the University of Buffalo; he paid his way through col-lege by delivering groceries for a local market. He graduated in 1953 with a major in history. After graduation, he served in the Korean War as a ham radio operator; he was stationed in France and in 1955 was at the Lemans 24 hour race in which a car went off into the crowd killing spectators.

After his honorable discharge, Frank worked briefly as a high school history teacher before being recruited by Ford Motor Company. While he was employed at the Buffalo Stamping Plant, he met Margaret G. (Marge) Kurch. They married February 4, 1961 in Buffalo, NY.

Frank was transferred by Ford to Livonia, MI with his young, growing family in 1966 and moved to Rochester Hills, MI in 1972. He had a long career in Labor Relations with Ford Motor Company and retired in 1994.

He and Marge moved from Rochester Hills to Jekyll Island, GA in 1997. They were both very active in community service. Frank was a member of the Lions Club, worked as a docent in the Historic District, served as a nature guide, and worked at the Turtle Center. He and Marge graciously hosted their large family and many friends at their island home; someone was always visiting them. They hosted an annual costume party in celebration of Marge’s Halloween birthday that was well attended by the community.

In addition, Frank was renowned for his culinary skills, bass singing voice, his unfailing curiosity, and his willingness to learn new things. He was forever young. He was fierce in his support of Jekyll Island and was instrumental in legislation that protected the island from unchecked development.

He walked on his beloved beach every sunrise, collecting shells and cleaning up debris. His steps slowed over the years, but he never skipped a walk, regardless of the weather.

He is survived by his 6 children: Joan Mirasola, Luke (Chelsea) Mirasola, Sara (John) Miller, Michelle Mirasola (Scott Werly), Georgia (Kevin) Ellis, and Elizabeth Ann (Scott) Phillips; 12 grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Charles (Jane) Mirasola and their children.

He was predeceased by Marge, his cherished spouse of 59 years, in March 2020.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church, 1120 Newcastle St., Brunswick, GA on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 12:00 pm. The family will receive visitors at the church one hour prior to the service. A reception will follow the mass in the Parish Hall. Arrangements are in the care of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home 3321 Glynn Ave, Brunswick, GA 31520, (912) 265-3636.

There will be a celebration Mass for Frank and Marge followed by burial at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Aurora, NY this summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frank’s name to the Jekyll Island Lions Club or the Jekyll Island Foundation.