03/16/12 - NNHS Newsletter - Frank Ottofaro
Frank Joseph Ottofaro, Sr.
(13 June 1934 - 14 Mar 2012)
Newport News High School Class of 1954
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03/16/12 - NNHS Newsletter - Frank Ottofaro
Frank Joseph Ottofaro, Sr. Newport News High School Class of 1954 |
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Dear
Friends and Schoolmates,
There is still more
sad news today.
Frank Ottofaro, Class of 1954,
passed away at Riverside Hospital on Wednesday evening, March 14, 2012 at the age of
77.
From
Jack Nelson ('54) of Northern VA - 03/16/12, 6:53 PM - "Re:
Frank Ottofaro":
Fellow Classmates,
Harry Simpson ('54 - of VA) notified me this afternoon (see below)
that one of our most belovedclassmates has passed away. Go to following for story in today's Daily Press: http://www.dailypress.com/news/hampton/dp-nws-ottofaro-passing-20120315,0,4024245.story Sadly yours, Jack Nelson
Oh, Jack, I'm so sorry to hear
this! I only met Frank once at one of
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From the Daily Press - 03/16/12:
Hampton activist Frank Ottofaro dies Wednesday nightOttofaro fought against the city's use of eminent domain |
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HAMPTON – Frank
Ottofaro, a resident best known for being a thorn in the side of
Hampton's City Council, died Wednesday night at Riverside Hospital. Ottofaro, 77, was admitted to the hospital earlier in the day because of congestive heart failure and succumbed to his ailments later that day, according to posts on his son's Facebook page. "As we get older, we tend to forget those special times growing up with our parents both good and bad, it makes us who we will become in life ourselves," Frank J. Ottofaro Jr. wrote. "He was a man of principles and morals, and he would never forgive you if you did him wrong." In the public's eye, the elder Ottofaro was known for addressing the City Council on the issue of eminent domain. |
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| Frank Ottofaro | |||
| (Daily Press / December 29, 2011) | |||
His rental home at 11 Pine Chapel Road was taken using eminent domain and the structure was demolished in 2000 so a road could be built for the Power Plant development. After a five-year legal battle, Hampton Circuit Court jury awarded Ottofaro $170,000 in 2001 for property. Ottofaro's appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court was denied. "You've done me wrong," Ottofaro would repeatedly tell City Council members during public comment sessions he attended. Ottofaro's case against the use of eminent domain may be used to amend the law in Richmond. The argument is also being eyed by academia. "Regardless of whether the full factual record of the Ottofaro case proves the landowners' claims, it is at least an instructive example of the potential harm inherent in the condemnation power when political entities have broad discretion in its application and commercial development is in play," wrote Donald J. Kochan, a visiting professor at George Mason School of Law in an article for the Virginia Institute for Public Policy. Arrangements for funeral services have not yet been announced. |
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From the Daily Press - 03/17/12:
Frank J. Ottofaro, Sr. |
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HAMPTON - Beloved husband, father, son, and friend, Frank J. Ottofaro Sr., 77 years of age, passed away Wednesday evening at Riverside Hospital, March 14, 2012, after complications due to congestive heart failure. |
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| Frank Ottofaro | |||||
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"Big Frank," "Otto," "Mr. O," "Peaches," and sometimes just "Frankie" as he was called by most of his friends and family, was born and raised in Newport News. Frank served five years in the Navy and Naval Reserve as a Seaman 3rd Class, receiving an Honorable Discharge. In both high school as a Newport News Typhoon, and in the Navy, he played football as his sport. Frank grew up working various jobs to earn money like at the Colonial Food Store with his father since the age of nine, at Red's Pier in Newport News with his brother, Domenic, at HRSD as a plant operator, and then as a deckhand for many years on the C&O tugboats. In 1960 Frank opened up his first business known as Frankie's Drive In, and a second business in 1968 known as Otto's Sunoco Service Center located on North King Street, both businesses in Hampton. During this time in the service station business, Frank worked hard to support his family by working between the 12-hour shifts at the C&O, and operating a full service business pumping gas, fixing tires, and meeting new people.
He loved to socialize and
participate in his many organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club,
the Peninsula Sports Club, and he was a lifelong member of the Hampton
Moose Lodge. Frank was also a devoted Republican. He loved to play cards
and flip a coin or two with his friends, usually with both sides winding
up being even. Although his failing heart is what took his life, it was
one of the biggest anyone could have when it came to giving and helping
others. He would routinely buy fresh bread, crab meat, oysters, and most
recently vegetables to give to his friends as gifts, and you would
always catch him with the lifesavers mints in his pocket to give out.
When he would find out that one of his friends had lost a loved one, he
would make it a point to attend their funerals although he may not have
known them that well. He wanted to help others, it was that simple.
Frank is also known for his 11 year battle against the City of Hampton
over the use of Eminent Domain to take his property from him and his
family for the Power Plant of Hampton Roads. His story was most recently
featured in the Daily Press newspaper just this past January, covering
the majority of the front page. Due to Frank's never ending fight until
his death, his case is now being used throughout the nation to change
some of the laws governing Eminent Domain abuse, and is also being used
in law schools.
Published in the Daily Press from March 17 to March 18, 2012. |
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March 17, 2012 
Dad, I miss you very much, and I am proud to have had you as my father.
I know that we challenged each other on things sometimes, but I always
did love you. When I was little, I remember all of the personal times we
had together. Growing up as Big Frank's son required me to listen to you
every night about what are the right things to do in life, to always
respect people, never to take anything that didn't belong to me, and to
always help others if I could. You taught me to be a good person. You
demonstrated these things yourself to so many of your friends each and
everyday while you were with us. When you had bought the service station
in 1968, you had taken me with you to learn how to work early in life by
pumping gas, fixing tires, checking oil, and washing windshields. You
taught me to say yes sir, yes ma'am, and to always treat people as I
would want to be treated. Many nights after closing the station, you
would always take me out to get some breakfast, whether at the Waffle
House or the Pancake House. Everywhere you went, you always wanted to
take me with you. I followed your path of life very closely by working
on cars, playing football for a time, going into the Navy and Naval
Reserves, working a full-time job and opening a small business, and even
buying rental property. I am you, Dad, through and through. I will
always carry your name with pride as your only son, and I will take the
fight that you were unable to finish to the City of Hampton. I will take
care of Mom, so please don't worry, just rest. Please look over us from
time to time until we can be together again. Love you, Dad. March 17, 2012
Generous is the word that most often comes to mind when we think of
Frank. He never paid a visit empty handed. Hot dogs, collard greens,
crab meat .... you name it, he seemed to have it tucked somewhere in
that van of his. As his legs began to fail him, he made it a habit
to drive up in front of the house and honk and honk and honk until
he was able to get someone's attention .... even if it was the
neighbor 5 doors down. We all love Frank. We have all truly been blessed by having the opportunity to meet such a loving person. We should all go through life trying to bring the "Frank" out and the world would be a much better place. Our sincerest condolences to all of the family and friends. May our many wonderful memories bless us all with a smile, a warm heart and a funny story to tell when honoring the memory of Frank Ottofaro, Sr. Jeff and Page Kremp ~ Page Kremp, Hampton, Virginia March 17, 2012
Dora and Family,I am so very sorry to read on-line this morning in the Daily Press about your loss of Frankie - I have many fond memories of him (and you) during the times we worked together at Langley. My heart goes out to you at this most difficult time. I wish I could be with you but you may not know that in 2007 I moved to Louisiana to be nearer my son. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you - God Bless! March 17, 2012
HI! I'm Fulvio OTTOFARO from
Italy and I believe to be somewhat relative! I Join in the sorrow for the
death of Frank! Me, too many friends, call me "Otto" and this thing makes me
fill with emotion! Bye "Otto" I saw you in somewhere!!! March 17, 2012
DORA AND
FAMILY, BUCKY AND I WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT FRANK.
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND FAMILY. BUCKY REMEMBERS ALL
THE TIMES THAT THEY WENT OUT LATE TO EAT AND SHARE HIS
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE CITY.
March
17,
2012
We are so sorry to hear of
Mr. Ottofaro's passing. Our prayers are with his family. We have
followed and supported his fight with the city for years and cheered him
on at the council meetings. We had the pleasure of meeting him in person
last spring at a seafood party held at Rollins on the waterfront in
downtown Hampton. We talked about how he was hurt by loosing his
property and also had some good laughs. He gave us each a life saver.
Rest in peace, Frank.
March 17, 2012
I think my dad,
Harlan Cronk, knew Mr. Ottofaro from the C&O. I am sorry for
your loss. Surely he will be missed in many ways.
March 17, 2012 I
only saw Frank at NNHS class reunions. I am now known as Bud, but Frank
always remembered our High School days, and would affectionately greet
me with "Hey, Buddy." Also, knowing that I live in Wisconsin, he would
push: "I'm gonna send you some soft shell crab." I don't eat it, so that
did not come to pass. March 17, 2012
Dora and family,
My sincere condolences to all of you in your loss. You are all in my prayers. I came to know Big Frank through a mutual friend, John Muir. John used to share with me some of the many phone calls between him and Frank. Those two always made me chuckle! Big Frank had such a good sense of humor! But best of all I had the joy of getting to know Frank. He was the sweetest, most generous and kindest man I have ever met. He was always giving somebody something. Such a big heart! I have no doubt that everyone in Heaven right now is enjoying a Doumar's barbeque from him. I will miss him, and with fond memories remember this kind, sweet teddy bear of a man that I called "Big Frank". God bless all of you. March 17, 2012
Our deepest sympathies on your loss. May
the Lord give you strength during this
difficult time.~ Salvatore & Jane Nicosia, Jr., Hampton, Virginia March 17, 2012
Dora and family,So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family. I will always remember my visit with him when I was in Hampton. ~ George Rosso, Albany, Georgia March 17, 2012
Dear Dora and Family,
It's hard to put into words how much we loved Big Frank. Mickey met Frank about 1946. Frank was on his way to Ray's Barbeque and he came from 28th Street to 35th Street to buy his barbeque, which was 15 cents at that time. We have been eating together ever since. I want to tell his children, Jeanne, Frank, Jr., Teresa and Sarah what wonderful children you are, standing by your father in his last days. I so admired each and everyone of you for supporting your mother and father. We know Frank is in Heaven. I want to share that Frank and I are the only two NNHS Typhoons who have a street named after them in Hampton, one is Marcella Road for me and the other is "One Way" for Frank. With all of our love to Dora and family.
~ Mickey and Carol Marcella March 17, 2012
March 17, 2012
Many years ago we rented
a house from Frank. We were on a month-to-month rental when we
bought our first house. I was worried that Frank would be upset when
I told him we would be moving. Quite the opposite! Frank said he was
certain that we would need help moving and he did, with his Chevy
panel truck. I never forgot that act of kindness but that was the
way Frank was. To the family, I will pray that your memories of good
times will carry you through these tough times. Frank was loved by
many, God Speed, my friend! March 17, 2012 Frank was an
unforgettable person and we of NNHS class of 1954 will never forget
him. Frank and I were in the same home-room in high school. I have
been away from Newport News for many years now, but will all ways
remember him.... Charles Hall March 18, 2012 May your memories of
the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and
your family, today and always. March 18, 2012 Dora and family: March 18, 2012 Life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smile fades, but the memories live on forever. With deepest sympathy to the Ottofaro family, March 18, 2012
To the Family: March 18, 2012
Dear Ottofaro family,Our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Frankie Junior's message said it all....what a wonderful tribute for a wonderful man and father. Sincerely, Ruben Jr. and Tammy Cook
~ Ruben
Cook, Jr., Hampton, Virginia
Contact Me March 18, 2012
Dora, Frank Jr. & Family,I want to extend my deepest condolences to you in this time of loss. I was so sorry to hear about Frank Sr.'s passing. He was a wonderful man, full of spirit, had a warm heart, and was known for his generosity. When I saw him at the city council meetings, he always had a bag of mints in which he would give me a hand full, and he always had a kind word. This world will not be the same without him and his jovial personality. He put up a good fight against the city, and I guess his heart was not strong enough to endure the stress. I hope Frank Jr. will continue the fight and if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. Frank Sr. will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched and by the sound of it, there were many. My heart and prayers go out to all of you. ~ Linda Counts, Hampton, Virginia March 18, 2012 Frank JR, I do not know you or your family ,but had read about your Dad's plight with the city in the paper. In reading your note to your Father it touched me so much I needed to tell you that somehow he sees this and is so proud of you. Joanne Wainwright Miller
~ Joanne Miller, Swaford,
Virginia
Contact Me
March 18, 2012
Frank Jr. and family.
Know that our heartfelt
sympathy and prayers go
out to you all for your
loss. But from what I
have read here in the
guest book, "Big Frank"
has gone home to await a
time when he will be
reunited with his family
in God's Mansion. Thank
God for sharing him with
you and cling to the
loving memories you have
of the man who loved
you. Godspeed "Big
Frank".
March 18, 2012
Teresa and family,Remember that no one really dies as long as there is someone who remembers, and when there is no one left who remembers it really doesn't matter because we will all be together again............. Please accept my deepest sympathies. March 19, 2012
So sorry to hear of
the loss of such a
nice, big hearted
man. We are so sorry
for your loss Teresa
and the rest of the
Ottofaro family.
RIP, Big Frank
~ The Faraci
Family
March 19, 2012 Our sincere condolences to the Ottofaro family. Frank was a very special, thoughtful man. He would stop by bearing gifts, usually fresh produce and crab meat. Jim helped him maintain his property on Wythe Creek Rd. Since Jim is retired, Frank would often call him just to talk or pop over for a visit. We both deeply respected Frank for not backing down in his fight with the City of Hampton. RIP, Frank - we miss you! March 19, 2012
I knew Frank when the
Ottofaros lived across from us in Stuart Gardens. We were on the
53-54 NNHS track team also. Trips to Huntington Park always
included a visit to see Frank working at Red's Pier. As my
mother loved soft shell crabs, Frank would come by to see her at
The First National Bank quite often. On several occasions, we
rode together as he also delivered seafood to his many friends
in Hampton. Frank was a loyal friend to all who knew him. For
all those familiar with his unwavering pursuit of justice, he
should be known as Hampton's Man of the Year. We will miss you,
dear friend.
~ Dan Bradley, Knoxville, Tennessee
Contact Me March 19, 2012
In loving
memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and
miss you always.
~ Sandy & George Owen, Hampton, Virginia March 19, 2012 To Frank Jr. and the rest of the family; You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for you loss. It is a loss that hurts your heart. Vanessa
~ Vanessa Butler, Chesapeake,
Virginia
Contact Me March 19, 2012 Frank Jr. and family, I am sorry to hear today about the loss of your father. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
~ Bobbie Harris,
Yorktown, Virginia March 19, 2012
Big Frank was one of
the most dedicated
TYPHOONS and the
best of friends I've
ever known. We're
all better for
having him in our
lives. March 20, 2012
Since I can
remember, the
Ottofaros have
been part of my
life, from our
backyards being
cattycornered on
18th and Oak
when I was a
toddler, to my
babysitting
Donnie & Iva's
children, to
seeing Frankie
and Papa in the
Colonial Store,
or at home. Over
the years, any
time I ran into
Frankie I knew I
was in for some
reminiscing and
lively
conversation. In
later years I
would
occasionally go
with Mama down
to Oak Ave. to
see his mother,
which Mama did
until the last.
My family called
Frankie's
parents "Mama
and Papa"
Ottofaro.
Frankie sent my
mother a
Christmas card
every year, and
attended her
funeral. He made
everyone feel
special, because
he was such a
special person.
We are older now
and some
memories seem
far away, but my
memories of the
Ottofaros and
those early days
are embedded in
my memory and
heart. Donnie,
Iva, and family,
please know
Frankie will be
greatly missed
by anyone whose
life he touched.
~ Susie
Collier
McKown,
Hampton,
Virginia
Contact
Me
March 21, 2012 SORRY TO HEAR OF MR. O'S PASSING-WE LIVED ACROSS THE STREET-PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY. ~ STEPHANIE BUTLER, GLOUCESTER, Virginia March 21, 2012 Frank and family, so sorry for your loss. Louise Ellis
~ Louise Ellis, Lone Oak, Texas
March 21, 2012 I will always remember Big Frank. He was my football coach and with the youth program at Boys Club. When we needed anything Frankie would always help. After I grew up, he would come to visit & we became good friends. He was one of the kindest people I have ever known. He would always bring by cookies or something for you in his car. He will be greatly missed. I was sorry that I had to miss his service; I just had a hip replacement. Danny Edwards, Sr.
~ Danny Edwards Sr., Poquoson, Virginia
March 21, 2012
I LAST SAW FRANK ON OCT. 2ND 2010 AT EVELYN'S BEACH PARTY AT BUCKROE BEACH ...I WAS GLAD TO SEE HIM ..TO HIS FAMILY I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND FRANK SR. DENNIS BOWMAN FROM N. C.
~ Dennis Bowman, North Carolina
March 25, 2012
Very sorry to
hear of your loss.
~ Unsigned March 26, 2012
T March 26, 2012
C March 26, 2012
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Our sincerest sympathies are extended to Frank's family and friends at this difficult time.
This information is also posted here:
http://nnhs65.com/memoriam-all.html
http://nnhs65.com/memoriam54.html
Y'all take good care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have Buckroe!
Love to all, Carol
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NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE:
http://www.nnhs65.com
PERSONAL WEB SITE:
http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat
==============================================
Carol Buckley
Harty
7020 Lure Court
Fayetteville, NC 28311-9309
915-780-3048
O Sacred Head Now
Wounded
Text: Anonymous;
trans. by Paul Gerhardt and James W. Alexander
Music: Hans L. Hassler, 1564-1612; harm. by J.S. Bach, 1685-1750
1. O sacred Head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, thine only crown:
how pale thou art with anguish,
with sore abuse and scorn!
How does that visage languish
which once was bright as morn!
2. What thou, my Lord, has suffered
was all for sinners' gain;
mine, mine was the transgression,
but thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
'Tis I deserve thy place;
look on me with thy favor,
vouchsafe to me thy grace.
3. What language shall I borrow
to thank thee, dearest friend,
for this thy dying sorrow,
thy pity without end?
O make me thine forever;
and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
outlive my love for thee.
"O Sacred Head" midi courtesy of http://romaaeterna.web.infoseek.co.jp/basil/sb038.html - 04/08/06
"O Sacred Head" lyrics courtesy of http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh286.sht - 04/08/06
Image of Charles
Bosseron Chambers' Painting, "The Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ", courtesy
of
http://www.restoredtraditions.com/Sacred_heart_Jesus_Christ_CBChambers.aspx
- 03/11/09
Image of Zabateri's Painting, "The Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ", courtesy
of
http://www.restoredtraditions.com/Sacred_Heart_Jesus_Christ_Catholic_art_print_Zabateri.aspx
- 03/11/09
Blackwork Flowers Divider Line clip art courtesy of http://www.bravenet.com - 08/12/04
Animated Navy Flag clip art courtesy of http://www.angelfire.com/ny4/KevsGifsGalore/Patriotic.html - 06/18/03
Navy Seal clip art courtesy of http://www.onemileup.com/miniSeals.asp - 05/29/06
Moose Lodge Logo courtesy of http://www.silverbuckleband.com/SilverBuckleSchedule1.html - 11/24/08
