Although most knew him as Frank, I always knew him growing up and still know him as Francis. He is my brother and its hard to believe hes passed away. He was brilliant, extremely talented in so many ways, a phenomenal pianist  almost became a concert pianist but ultimately chose a different career path, a take charge individual, a real leader - always taking the lead in any family situation and taking care of us, his sisters and brother and always with such finesse. Although not so obvious as he appeared so strong, he was sensitive and caring and always wanted the best for people. He was very lucky to be able to retire at 50 and as a result, enjoyed a wonderful, full life. His passing leaves a huge void in our family. Francis will always be remembered with great respect and fondness forever.

I had the good fortune to meet Frank through SeniorNet at USF.  He was charming, witty and very willing to share his knowledge with his students.  I can honestly say he was a nice guy and I'm very lucky to have known him.  He will be missed by all those who knew him.

Frank and I met in the mid 1980's. I was a vendor selling IT services to GTE. Frank was the Vice President of IT for GTE Florida based in Tampa. We were both between marriages. We both lived alone in North Tampa and, were in our mid-forties, and we bonded. 
We hung out. We chased women. We both had a son and daughter in college. Danielle was at Brown and Francis was at Notre Dame ( Frank's Alma Mater). The telephone industry was in turmoil during this time. Frank, as VP of IT at GTE Tampa navigated the company's internal politics, fought for the best solutions for GTE and their customers and negotiated the best deals with GTE's vendors. To me, he was his own courageous man doing the things he thought were best for GTE. From his 36th executive floor office, he had the respect of the President, his peers  as well as the rank and file in his organization.

IN 1988, Frank and I were at the Feather Sound event in St. Petersburg when he saw Dixie on the balcony. He was smitten just looking at her. He introduced himself and I guess she was interested. Frank and Dixie, Terry and I were married, in a double ceremony on May 29 1990, on the sailing vessel Audacious off Diamond Head, Honolulu Hawaii.


Frank and Dixie, Terry and I have shared many anniversaries, dinners, parties, Gasparilla parades, Danielle's wedding in Santa Barbara, Debra's wedding in Central Park West New York. We traveled together to Key West,  San Francisco, Napa, New Mexico, Disney and the Miami Superbowl among other adventures.

Frank was a great storyteller. He loved baseball and the Rays in particular. He loved to cook and garden. He loved his family.

Frank is gone now. I considered Frank my brother. We miss him.  Terry and I pray that he is at peace.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Frank through my husband.  I also knew of him through his work at GTE.  He enjoyed life, he laughed a lot and made others laugh also.  He is be missed.

Frank and I met 50 years ago in San Angelo, at the conference that started the roll out of CR&B to GTE TELCO.   I joined GTEDS just 4 weeks before in Fort Wayne.  Frank was the whiz kid, working for Rocky Johnson in New York.  My job was to manage the software roll out of CR&B from San Angelo to the Midwest Region Companies.  Frank was the liaison between the rollout and GTE Headquarters.  It was the start of a work relationship of 16 years and a close friendship that lasted till now, 50 years later.  We both easily fit into the Texas Axium our word is our bond' and a hand shake is sacred. 
Over the next 10 years, though miles apart, we worked the roll out till it was done.  WE both found ourselves in Tampa, Frank heading up systems development and I heading up planning.  We both were between marriages and often double dated and did our best to terrify Tampa.  We knew each other's secrets and maintained our close friendship and trust.  
After my leaving GTE Barb and I visited Frank and Dixey from time to time and we kept in phone contact.  On my last visit we had lunch with Dixey, Tania, Don Peeples and Joyce Dunn.  
Frank joins my memorial memory list of; Gerry Crow, Johnny McDunn, Bill Wofford, Teddy B Strawser, Jack Fulcher, Don Peeples and others that had the privilege of kicking off GTEDS.   
I look forward to my first conference with them all shortly after I join them...  Frank my dear friend - rest in peace.
Mike Ushka

Enjoyed working and seeing him always! Great jokester and just a good guy. Sending deepest sympathies to his family and all his friends. RIP, Frank!

It was a pleasure to work with Frank at GTEDS. He had a fabulous sense of humor which "steadied the ship" during troubled times. After he retired I successfully convinced him to become a volunteer instructor at USF teaching senior citizens about computers. Needless to say, he was a very popular teacher and his classes were always filled. He'll be missed.

Frank and I were best friends for many years.  My nickname for him was Zeke.  We shared some of the best times of our lives in high school and college as well as after.  We worked together in several jobs.  I miss him terribly.

Frank was always very personable to everyone at all levels.  Great sense of humor no matter what the situation.  RIP Frank.

I It seems like yesterday, but In the 1970's I had the distinct privilege to work for Frank. His intelligence and sense of humor served him well. We remained friends as both he and I went on to new responsibilities. May his family see the following --- 
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight. 
I am the soft starlight at night. 
Do not stand at my grave and cry, 
I am not there; I did not die.

Frank was a wonderful person to work with. My deepest symphaty to his family.
Melitta Lovland

OBITUARY

Francis A Zacherl Jr.

October 18, 1942 – January 18, 2018

Blount & Curry Life Event Center

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