Virginia Beach – Francis “Frank” John Stapanowich Sr., 88, passed away November 6, 2021.  He was born August 28, 1933 in Lowell, MA and was the son of the late Francis and Dorothy Stapanowich. Frank graduated from Keith Academy in Lowell, MA and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy where he was a member of the Phi Delta Chi Fraternity.  He later served with the Navy and was stationed in Portsmouth, NH.  The stars were aligned in May of 1953 at the Commodore Ballroom in Lowell, MA, when Frank met the love of his life, Sheila Ann Toohey.   They were married August of 1954.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila; sister Diane Ryan Svendsen; and brother David Stapanowich.  He is survived by his three children, Frank Stapanowich Jr. (Carol) of VA Beach, VA; Caryn Sullivan (Ken) of VA Beach, VA; and Peter Stapanowich (Ann) of Asheville, NC; his grandchildren, Bryan Sullivan, Brandon Stapanowich (Melissa), Jon Sullivan (Alethea), Andrew Stapanowich (Kristin), Nick Stapanowich (Josie), Bethany Gurba (David), and Matthew Stapanowich (Amy); and great-grandchildren Vivianna, Alexis, Sebastian, and Felix.

Frank was a business owner and pharmacist for over 40 years, having owned Pimmit Hills Drug Center in Falls Church, VA and Kings Grant Auto Center in Virginia Beach. He was also an IV Therapy pharmacist for Norfolk General Hospital and was instrumental in the opening of the Virginia Beach branch of Kimberly Quality Care Home IV Services. In his “retirement” he worked as a part-time pharmacist for Rite-Aid.

Frank and Sheila loved the beach and spent many years entertaining at their Nags Head beach house, the Seawitch. Friends and family gathered there for sun, relaxation, and laughter as well as at their home in Florida during their time as Snowbirds.  Frank mastered social media to keep in touch with family around the country and became an avid online shopper.  He relished his role as husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  God blessed us with this amazing man who was a model of strength and integrity.

A celebration Mass will be held Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 11:00 am at Church of the Ascension, 4853 Princess Anne Rd, VA. Inurnment will follow in the Columbarium.

Donations in Frank’s honor may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation:   https://t2t.org