Frank Denham Menendez's Obituary
Frank D. Menendez passed peacefully surrounded by his family and friends in his home, on April 27th, 2025. Frank was born Francis Denham Menendez, Jr. in the borough of Manhattan, New York on September 13th, 1942.
At a young age his parents Frank and Charlotte moved to Tampa, which he always loved and considered his hometown. He grew up in West Tampa, and graduated from Jefferson High School, and was a proud member of the Jefferson Dragon Band. He continued the friendships he made there his entire life. Frank met with his friends at least twice a week for coffee and camaraderie, and loved to travel with his family and friends.
His love of music led him in his studies at college and he graduated with a degree in Music at the University of Tampa. He taught music and lead the Robinson Band out of college. He participated in The Spanish Lyric Theater, had his own band, and was the Director of both the Tampa Bay Buccaneer Band and the Tampa Bay Bandit Band. He was the director of the Choir at St. Lawrence Church and St. Joseph’s Church. He passed this love of music to his children and grandchildren.
Frank was civically engaged and enjoyed participating in the Lion’s Club, Tampa Sports Club, Tampa Sister Cities with Oviedo, Spain, and later became President of the Centro Asturiano de Tampa.
He always had a smile and a positive word, and loved his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Emma Gonzalez Menendez, his daughter Michelle Menendez Salgado, his grandchildren Sawyer and Catalina, and his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Anna Menendez. His surviving sisters Janet Richmond and Linda Persico, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nereyda and Luke Carscallen, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at Wednesday May 7th, 2025 at 10 a.m. until the Mass begins at 11 a.m. Graveside services will follow at the Centro Asturiano Memorial Park Cemetery, with a reception after at the Centro Asturiano de Tampa around 1:30 p.m.
His family would like to thank the great care and support of LifePath Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested family and friends to make donations to the following:
St Joseph Catholic Church, in the note section please put "for the music ministry":
https://www.osvhub.com/stjosephchurchtampa/giving/funds/other
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital:
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Centro Asturiano Memorial Park:
https://www.centroasturianotampa.org/memorial-park
What’s your fondest memory of Frank?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frank?
Share a story where Frank's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frank you’ll never forget.
How did Frank make you smile?
