Frank Anthony Parente
Frankie lived life “large” and the way he wanted. On 6-14-1971 Frankie was born to his proud parents Frank and Barbara (Annie). He passed away on 3-3-23, (coincidentally adds up to 29 – Frankie’s favorite roulette number, Black 29). He had several nicknames during his life, Frankie, The Rooster, Elfubar and The Gue.
Frankie graduated from Saint Bernadette’s grade school where he developed lifelong friendships and he graduated from Kennedy High School in 1989. Frankie went on to the University of Washington where he graduated with a BA in Political Science and Communications, which gave him the gift of interesting conversations throughout his life. Frankie married Christina on August 14, 1999, at the Space Needle in Seattle.
During his school years, Frankie worked with many of his friends on the family farm “Frankie’s Farm Fresh Produce” and then his dad’s restaurant the “Backstretch Cafe” at Longacre’s Race Track in Renton, WA. Horse racing became a huge part of his life watching our horses run for 30 years, and he loved to bet on the ponies and set up bus trips to California tracks. Frankie and Christy would enjoy a few weeks every year at their condo across from Del Mar Racetrack, one of the trips he treasured most. There were always fun trips to the coast, CA, AZ, HI, limo rides, dinners, parties and drinks at his favorite haunts with friends and family, they were always an adventure.
After graduating from UW, Frankie started his 28-year career with R.S. Hughes in Seattle as a manager trainee. He managed branches in Portland and Salt Lake and Regional Manager positions in So Cal and then to Portland as integral part of the National Accounts Sourcing Team. Frankie was excellent at managing branches and very often was called to travel to other branches to troubleshoot issues and help the branches become successful.
Frankie was a lifelong Seahawks fan. He loved all Seattle sports, but his move to Portland expanded his fandom to the Trailblazers and Timbers. Live games were always a treat for him. Two of his favorite sounds were slot machines in a casino and pinball games in a bar. If he could find a jukebox somewhere in between, life was great. He had the ability to make every person around him feel as they were the most important person in the room. His generosity and keen sense of what those around him needed are tribute to the unique, energetic and kind person he was.
He is survived by his wife Christina and their 19-year-old cat Tiki, parents Frank and Annie Parente, Grandmother Betty, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Frankie touched numerous amount of lives in his lifetime. He will be missed greatly by all.
Frankie said he had a very fulfilling life and was not afraid to die. He only feared pain which he was lovingly spared by Death with Dignity. His family, friends and co-workers were able to share in his last few months. Special thanks to Odie Kennemer for all his help, love and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to endoflifewa.org or eolcoregon.org.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Angelo’s of Burien 601 SW 153rd Burien WA on April 16th 12:00-3:00. There will be a memory basket for you to please share any pictures and memorable stories you may have about Frankie. Please dress comfortable and have a toast to a life well lived and loved.