Celebrating the life of
Frank C. Speno
April 18, 1933 - April 30, 2013
SAVANNAH - Mr. Frank C. Speno, a resident of The Landings at Skidaway Island, Savannah, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on April 30, 2013 at the age of eighty years after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 18, 1933, Frank was the son of Dr. Leo H. Speno and Isabelle Mooney Speno.
Frank was a three year letterman as an outstanding member of the football, baseball and track teams at Colgate University. After graduating in 1956, Frank served in the USAF Air Defense Command. He then earned his MBA at Cornell Business School in 1962. He accepted an opportunity at Corning Glass Works, followed by a textile sales position with the E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company in Wilmington, Delaware.
In 1973, Frank became the Executive Director of the George Junior Republic in rural Freeville, NY. The GJR was a residential program for troubled teenagers in need of guidance and education. He succeeded his father-in-law Donald T. Urquhart for 17 years. When Frank retired in 1985 from the GJR, he then accepted a fundraising position with Colgate and later relocated to Savannah in 1997.
Frank was a longtime member of the Board of Director Tompkins Trust Company, Ithaca, NY. He was a parishioner of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Dryden, NY, St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hamilton, NY, and St. James the Less Catholic Church in Savannah, Georgia.
Frank's contributions to Colgate University include his 40 year membership on Maroon Council. He served as Director and Co-Chairman of Membership for many years, Field Director for Campaign for Colgate and Executive Director of Fraternity Management Association. Frank received the Maroon Citation in 1971 and served on the Alumni Council in the 1970's. Frank was a member of the DU Alumni Corporation and was a volunteer with Career Advising.
He is survived by Shirley Speno his caring wife of 57 years. He leaves behind 6 children: Marianne S. McCreary William of MI; Linda S, Schwan Thomas of, NY; Kathleen A. Speno Angela of GA; Elizabeth G. Weathers James GA; Frank D. Speno Krista of NJ; Lee U. Potthast of TX; thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. A brother Dr. L. Anthony Speno Sandra; sisters Miriam S. Brown Bob; Ann G. Landwehr and Carol S. Trader. Frank is predeceased by their son, Daniel P. Speno.
A Mass will be held at St. James the Less Catholic Church, 8412 Whitefield Ave, Savannah, GA 31406 on Monday May 6 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in honor of Frank Speno be sent to the Maroon Council â?? Patty Caprio, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY. 13346 or Hospice Savannah, Box 13190 Savannah, GA 31416. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday May 16 at 1pm in the Colgate University Chapel.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Please accept my sympathy and sorrow at the passing of Frank. I had the good fortune to have interacted with him more than most students at GJR and know he was a warm, caring and good-hearted man. He will be remembered by many of us from our day at the Republic. Thinking of him today which marks the 38th anniversary of the day Frank awarded me Graduate status from the Republic and my high school diploma June 15, 1975 Robert McDowall 1973-1975 Akron, Ohio
- Robert McDowall, Akron, OH
My condolences, Frank was a wonderful man who took on great responsibility during changing times. I was happy to have known and been of service to both the Urquhart and Speno families at GJR between 1971 & 1974.
- Susan Hubbard, Tarrytown, NY
I am sorry for your family's loss. I only knew Mr. Speno from a distance, but appreciate the leadership he took during challenging times. God Bless!
- Lisa Crandall, Baldwinsville, NY
We were stunned to learn of Frank's passing. I think back to Syracuse days for us and to Corning and George Jr. for all the years of kids and visits. God bless you for all your years of care we know you must have given Frank.
- the Bellardinis, Homer, NY
To the Speno Family, I was very sad to hear of Frank’s passing. His pride of the Colgate Football program and devotion to players like myself leave me with fond memories. Frank’s steadfast enthusiasm and dedication to the deep traditions of “the ‘gate” will be remembered by all of us who had the honor to know him. Tom McChesney, ‘82
- Tom McChesney, Brewerton, NY
Dear Shirley, It is hard to believe that Frankie has passed. He was the best! He always made us laugh and his optimism was to be treasured. He loved our Dad and Mom and was very true to our family. Although it has been years since we saw him and you the feelings are stronger than ever. We will be coming to Colgate on Thursday. Love, Helen and Mike
- Helen and Mike Bridgewater, Warren, VT
Shirley, I was saddened to hear of Frank's passing last week, but know that it brought back of flood of memories for me. My Colgate experience was enriched by knowing the Spenos. Deep condolences. John Marzo '80
- john marzo, Buffalo, NY
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Speno family. There will not be more loyal member of the Colgate University family. I will always remember Mr. Speno and his great trait of being able to communicate with anyone. I am very lucky to have know such a fine person. Condolences to the Speno Family.
- Joe Hunt, Sparta, NJ
Shirley - Sue and I were so sad to hear about Frank. He and I shared many good memories at Colgate and we both remember our visit and tour at you home in Georgia. I hope we see you up at the Gate. Frank
- Frank & Sue Proietti, Englewood, NJ
I was saddened to learn of Frank's death. He was a great athlete, a thoughtful and concerned person, committed to his family and they to him, a dedicated graduate and loyal alumni of Colgate, He will be missed, but his many contributions will remind us of how he helped to make the world a better place.
- Richard B. Martin, Exeter, NH
Mrs Speno, Even at 50, 'Frank' will always will be Mr. Speno to me. His influence on me was life changing and I will never forget him. I'm sorry for your loss and hope it helps knowing that the lessons he taught me, are carried on with my own family. And they will survive him as his lessons will be carried on to their families as well.
- Chip Lombardo, Niskayuna, NY
Dear Kathy, Shirley & the entire Speno family: Our deepest sympathy goes to you for Frank's passing. We hope that the many memories you have of the better days will help lessen your grief. Marc & Carol
- Marc & Carol Tate, Savannah, GA
To Betsy and Kathy and your entire family~and to all that love your Father~ I send my heartfelt love and prayers to each of you. Know with out a doubt there are many out here that hold you in our hearts and care. Blessings to each of you on Angles wings~ with my love, Cherie orig. from Dryden NY
- Cherie DaVall Gibbbons, Pitman, NJ
To the Speno Family, I send my deep sympathy on your loss.I enjoyed the times I spent with Frank on The Landings golf courses.He was always a class act and a competitor.I also admired his devotion at St.James at Mass.I know you will all miss him.You will be in my prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Please accept my sympathy and sorrow at the passing of Frank. I had the good fortune to have interacted with him more than most students at GJR and know he was a warm, caring and good-hearted man. He will be remembered by many of us from our day at the Republic. Thinking of him today which marks the 38th anniversary of the day Frank awarded me Graduate status from the Republic and my high school diploma June 15, 1975 Robert McDowall 1973-1975 Akron, Ohio
- Robert McDowall, Akron, OH
My condolences, Frank was a wonderful man who took on great responsibility during changing times. I was happy to have known and been of service to both the Urquhart and Speno families at GJR between 1971 & 1974.
- Susan Hubbard, Tarrytown, NY
I am sorry for your family's loss. I only knew Mr. Speno from a distance, but appreciate the leadership he took during challenging times. God Bless!
- Lisa Crandall, Baldwinsville, NY
We were stunned to learn of Frank's passing. I think back to Syracuse days for us and to Corning and George Jr. for all the years of kids and visits. God bless you for all your years of care we know you must have given Frank.
- the Bellardinis, Homer, NY
To the Speno Family, I was very sad to hear of Frank’s passing. His pride of the Colgate Football program and devotion to players like myself leave me with fond memories. Frank’s steadfast enthusiasm and dedication to the deep traditions of “the ‘gate” will be remembered by all of us who had the honor to know him. Tom McChesney, ‘82
- Tom McChesney, Brewerton, NY
Dear Shirley, It is hard to believe that Frankie has passed. He was the best! He always made us laugh and his optimism was to be treasured. He loved our Dad and Mom and was very true to our family. Although it has been years since we saw him and you the feelings are stronger than ever. We will be coming to Colgate on Thursday. Love, Helen and Mike
- Helen and Mike Bridgewater, Warren, VT
Shirley, I was saddened to hear of Frank's passing last week, but know that it brought back of flood of memories for me. My Colgate experience was enriched by knowing the Spenos. Deep condolences. John Marzo '80
- john marzo, Buffalo, NY
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Speno family. There will not be more loyal member of the Colgate University family. I will always remember Mr. Speno and his great trait of being able to communicate with anyone. I am very lucky to have know such a fine person. Condolences to the Speno Family.
- Joe Hunt, Sparta, NJ
Shirley - Sue and I were so sad to hear about Frank. He and I shared many good memories at Colgate and we both remember our visit and tour at you home in Georgia. I hope we see you up at the Gate. Frank
- Frank & Sue Proietti, Englewood, NJ
I was saddened to learn of Frank's death. He was a great athlete, a thoughtful and concerned person, committed to his family and they to him, a dedicated graduate and loyal alumni of Colgate, He will be missed, but his many contributions will remind us of how he helped to make the world a better place.
- Richard B. Martin, Exeter, NH
Mrs Speno, Even at 50, 'Frank' will always will be Mr. Speno to me. His influence on me was life changing and I will never forget him. I'm sorry for your loss and hope it helps knowing that the lessons he taught me, are carried on with my own family. And they will survive him as his lessons will be carried on to their families as well.
- Chip Lombardo, Niskayuna, NY
Dear Kathy, Shirley & the entire Speno family: Our deepest sympathy goes to you for Frank's passing. We hope that the many memories you have of the better days will help lessen your grief. Marc & Carol
- Marc & Carol Tate, Savannah, GA
To Betsy and Kathy and your entire family~and to all that love your Father~ I send my heartfelt love and prayers to each of you. Know with out a doubt there are many out here that hold you in our hearts and care. Blessings to each of you on Angles wings~ with my love, Cherie orig. from Dryden NY
- Cherie DaVall Gibbbons, Pitman, NJ
To the Speno Family, I send my deep sympathy on your loss.I enjoyed the times I spent with Frank on The Landings golf courses.He was always a class act and a competitor.I also admired his devotion at St.James at Mass.I know you will all miss him.You will be in my prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
