Francis T. Ehrhart

Francis T. Ehrhart, age 77 and a resident of Providence Forge, VA, died at his home on May 10, 2017. Frank was a loving husband to Kathleen Ehrhart for 36 years, a devoted father and grandfather, a treasured friend, and a dedicated educator. Throughout his life, he found strength and joy in his faith, his family and his friends.

Born and raised in Springfield, MA, Frank graduated from St. Anselm College and began his career as a teacher and coach in Warren, MA before moving to Westchester County, NY. He earned additional degrees and certifications in education from Springfield College, SUNY New Paltz and Columbia University while teaching and coaching in the New York State public school system. In 1999, following 38 years as a high school history teacher, MS/HS Principal and Superintendent of Schools, Valhalla, NY, Frank retired from public education and moved to Williamsburg, VA. There he spent 14 years as a consultant to the VA State Department of Education, working to elevate some of the state’s most underperforming inner-city and rural schools to ensure better outcomes for Virginia’s most vulnerable students.

Before becoming a school administrator, Frank also coached high school basketball and baseball in Valhalla, NY where he would be honored as Westchester County Basketball Coach of the Year (1970), Westchester County Baseball Coach of the Year (1974), and named the New York State Nominee, National High School Coach of the Year (1983). In 2002, the Valhalla School District erected a new sports complex and dedicated it the Frank T. Ehrhart Gymnasium. Throughout his career, Frank’s goal was always to do what was “best for the kids,” many of whom would say they considered him a second father. Frank believed his greatest joy and proudest achievement was helping young adults find success on the field, in school and in life.

Frank is survived by his cherished wife, Kathleen; his children Frances D’Antonio (Michael), Thomas Ehrhart, Gretchen McAlpin (Walter), Erica Meehan (Daniel); seven grandchildren; his mother Ann Mazzadra, brother Steven Mazzadra and sisters Mary Miller, Louann Pepe and Cindy Foy and several nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his stepfather Louis Mazzadra and his beloved first wife, Clare Desmarais Ehrhart.

A visitation will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA on Monday, May 15, from 5:00-7:00 pm, with a brief prayer service at 6:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 315 Harris Grove Lane, Yorktown, VA on Tuesday, May 16 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at the Church at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Frank requested donations to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513 or at www.jimmyv.org.