Reynold F. Frutkin

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 7, 1938, Ren was the son of Reynold J. and Anabel Frutkin. He attended St. Ignatius High School, then Xavier University in Cincinnati, the University of Manchester in England, Yale University, and Indiana University.

Ren had wide-ranging academic interests, including classical studies, theater, literature, writing, and law. While at Yale, he and his fellows founded Theater, a Yale publication that continues today. He later served as acting editor of Yale Alumni Magazine during the tumultuous Vietnam War years.

After earning his doctorate in drama, Ren -- along with his young family -- moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he worked with developer Charles Fraser during the early years of the Sea Pines resort community. In the late 1970s, the family moved to Indianapolis, where Ren joined his brother Larry’s law firm, Ecklund, Frutkin & Grant. He studied law at Indiana University, became a partner in 1983, and managed the firm until its dissolution in 2012.

In retirement, Ren helped establish the Tamarindo Foundation.Inc, an organization supporting children and families in El Salvador. He helped secure its status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and served as president of its board for many years.

While attending Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ren first met Ann Marie Berger on her family farm. They married in 1963 and had two children, Christopher J. Frutkin and Mary Allison Frutkin.

Throughout their 63 years of marriage, Ren and Ann shared a love of classical music, theater, and film. Together, they traveled around the world, seeking out performances, museums, and cultural experiences. They were patrons of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for more than 30 years.

In addition to his wife and their children, Ren is survived by his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Frutkin; his grandchildren, Crawford J. Frutkin, Evelyn S. Frutkin, and Frances A. Frutkin; his brother, Mark (Faith) Frutkin of Ottawa, Ontario; his sister, Marilyn (James) Grace of Toronto, Ontario; and his sister-in-law, Dolores Frutkin of Indianapolis, IN. He is also survived by Michelle Frutkin, Monica (Michael) Callaghan, Maureen (John) O'Connor, Larry (Emma) Frutkin, Elliott (Chelsea) Frutkin, Sarah (Chris) Politis, Kathleen (Jeff) Willows, Christopher Grace, and Joshua Grace, as well as many more grandnieces and nephews.

At heart, Ren was an academic with a lifelong curiosity about the world around him. An avid reader, he took delight in a wide range of interests, especially literature, theater, the arts, and nonviolent communication. He also had extensive knowledge of -- and an appreciation for -- wine, a subject he enjoyed exploring and sharing with others. Ren loved books, ideas, and the opportunity to continue learning. He was a quiet champion of his family, taking genuine pride in their accomplishments and encouraging them in their individual pursuits. Ren will be remembered for his intellectual curiosity, kindness, and the many passions he pursued throughout his life.

A gathering in Ren's honor will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tamarindo Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 90404, Indianapolis, IN 46290, or to a charity of the donor's choice. The Tamarindo Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity.