Frank M. Lorenzo

89, of Tampa, FL, passed away on Friday, December 12. Frank was born in Ybor City on October 18, 1925, the son of Frank Muniz and Consuelo Lorenzo. Frank attended Hillsborough High School and then served for two years in the Navy. In 1946 Frank received a football scholarship to the University of Florida where he played during the infamous “Golden Era” period. Frank completed his Master’s degree in Education from the University of Florida in 1950 and returned to Tampa to work as a football coach at H.B. Plant High School. In 1952 Frank assumed the role of Head Football Coach and Athletic Director and led the Plant Panthers to their first untied, undefeated season and first Western Conference title in 1958. Coach Lorenzo served as president of the Hillsborough County Coaches Association, the Florida High School Coaches Association, and was inducted into the Florida High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1961. As the second Chairman of the Tampa Sports Authority, Frank played a key role in the building of the Tampa Stadium and the acquisition of a professional football franchise for the City of Tampa. Frank joined the Principal Financial Group in 1961 as a life insurance agent and qualified for top company awards for 42 of the 44 years of his tenure including National Agent of the Year and was a Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Round Table. He was a member and past president of Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club and a member of the University Club. Frank will be remembered by those who knew him as a man of integrity, compassion, and determination. His positive approach to both personal and professional life made a powerful and lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Frank loved spending time with his family and friends, playing golf, and enjoying time at his beach place. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Louise; son, Frank Jr.; daughter, Linda Bresnahan (Bill); granddaughters, Lorisa Lorenzo and Jennifer Perez (Michael). A Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18 from 4-6pm at Blount & Curry-MacDill Chapel. A funeral service will take place Friday, December 19 at 10am at Blount & Curry-MacDill Chapel followed by a private interment at the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Special thanks to K’s Caring Angels: Kim, Dina, Rose, Laura, Amanda, Vivia, and Harriet, and to the staff at Tampa General Hospital. Donations can be made in Frank’s memory to The Children's Home, 10909 Memorial Hwy, Tampa, FL 33615.

Arrangements under the direction of Blount & Curry FH-Macdill Chap, TAMPA, FL.