Obituary 

Someone so special can never be forgotten​

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Born on July 31, 1944 Brooklyn, New York

Departed June 16, 2020 The Villages, Florida

FRANK JOSEPH RE, JR., departed this life peacefully at the age of 75 early Tuesday morning of June 16th surrounded by his devoted wife, two children and furry companion, Buddy, in the comfort of his own home in The Villages, Florida.  

Frank was born on July 31, 1944 to the late Jean and Frank Re in Brooklyn, New York. Frank was the only son, and youngest of three children. He married his high school sweetheart, Noreen, on June 19th, in the summer of ‘65 and bought their first home in Sayville, New York. As a young adult Frank professed his life to Christ, living his life with conviction, and firmly believed in Matthew 7:12, “So in everything, do onto to others what you would have them do onto you.”    

From a young age was veritably mechanically inclined, and always had a love for cars, particularly fast cars. As a young man, he enjoyed drag racing with friends in his spare time. This passion took him down the road to becoming a self-taught, professional Mechanic, as well as being a certified electrician, right out of high school. He became a Manufacturer Representative for the brake and wheel alignment equipment company, Bear Manufacturing, and taught their company training classes in 1971.  

In 1974, at the age of thirty-three, Frank decided to leave Bear to become a licensed Operating Engineer for the City of New York, which entailed running an underground locomotive during the early stages of construction of the New York City water tunnel. If this wasn’t enough, at the same time he was training to become a licensed crane and heavy equipment operator in New York City.  

When the economy began to decline in the early eighties, equipment operator opportunities became sparse, so at thirty-eight accepted a Sales and Service Rep position with Ammco Tools of Illinois after they offered him a New York territory on Long Island, and teach the company’s training for their wheel alignment and brake lathe machines. 

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He quickly became among the top salesmen and soon moved his family to the Dix Hills / Melville. Although, when Ammco Tools was bought out in 1988, Frank decided to head down a new career path that took him down to South Florida as, Controller for residential building company on intercoastal waters of Fort Lauderdale at Bontona Enterprises. After six long months, he relocated his family from New York to one of their newly built waterfront homes on Bontona Avenue, just off Las Olas Blvd. Always up for a new challenge, within two-year Frank began listing and selling homes as a Realtor around the Fort Lauderdale area.  

At age 50 in ‘94, Frank became self-employed, after obtaining his Florida Building Contractor License, and he and his wife took ownership of Sta-Rite Building Contractors. This would keep them busy for the next 13 years. Frank was well respected among anyone he met. He served his church and their community as a Deacon at Calvary Chapel, Fort Lauderdale. He opened his home to host a well-attended group bible study, and many in the community looked to him for Godly counsel.  

In December of 2007, Frank decided he and wife, Noreen would relocate, this time further north to The Villages, a fast-growing senior golf community in Central Florida. The kind of place he dreamed of living with his group of long-term friends so they could enjoy their twilight years all together. Even as a senior, his passion for cars kept his wheels turning, though toward a slightly slower paced business. With his thirst for knowledge he learned how to build and customize the most popular mode of transportation in The Villages, and opened a street corner golf cart shop, Sta-Rite Carts and Accessories, and soon proudly served as the “Talk of The Villages” online golf cart expert.  

Frank was a “Man for all Seasons” and will always be remembered as a strong, God fearing, and honorable man with integrity. He was a devoted husband, loving, tough, yet supportive father, a fun grandfather, wonderful, and reliable brother, faithful and loyal friend, and consistent counselor to many others. He was extremely knowledgeable in many areas and always made himself available to help others, touching the lives of many people whose paths he crossed throughout his life. 

The love and relationships Frank maintained among his family and lifelong friends speaks to his caring and selfless character. Throughout the years he endured and overcame many extreme challenges, although you would never know since he was never one to complain, he rose up each day and kept keepin’ on no matter what, which is why his adoring wife will always and forever affectionately refer to him as her, “Prince of Perseverance.”    

He is survived by his best friend and truly beloved wife of fifty-five years, Noreen Re; his oldest daughter, Stacy Ann Sullender, and eldest grandson, Kenneth Charles Sullender Jr., of Milton, Georgia; his son, Frank John Re, and youngest grandson, Frank Joseph Re, of Parkland, Florida; his sister Francine DeSantis of Dix Hills, New York; and preceded in death by oldest sister, Genevieve Marie Cosimano, who all three siblings shared an unbreakable bond: and his many nieces, nephews whom he all loved dearly.