OBITUARIES

Verdino, Frank, 54, from Gulfport, Florida, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 5, 2021. Frank was born in Amityville, New York. The family moved to Florida where Frank was educated at Pinellas Park High School, then served in the Marine Reserves from 1985 to 1992. He became skilled in many fields during his career, first as a printer and then as a butcher. A self-taught watercolor artist and clay potter, Frank leaves a substantial body of work. He enjoyed photography, gardening, reading and fishing, had a great love of animals and delighted family and friends with his scratch cooking skills, honed from his Italian New Yorker roots. Frank was involved in many community causes and organizations, including as a dedicated volunteer with the Gulfport Historical Society. He was not afraid to raise his head above the parapet for causes he believed in or to speak his mind. Most of all, however, Frank was known for his genuine, friendly smile, generosity and conversation, enjoying leisurely mornings at Gulfport’s SumitrA Espresso Lounge, where he is much missed. Frank is survived by his beloved daughter, Maggie, mother Geraldine Westermann, her husband Greg, sisters Tina St Pierre, Theresa Leinbach, Maria Kinzer, Christine Haswell, eight nieces and nephews, two great nieces, one great nephew and former spouse Patrice Verdino. Predeceased by his father, Frank Verdino Sr. His cat Tinkerbell and grand-dog Max miss him every day. Special thanks for the care shown to Frank by Michael Tedesco and staff at St. Anthony’s Hospital Cardiac ICU.