Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Frank was a war baby. He is the oldest of seven brothers and sisters, and held deep love and respect for his family. Growing up, he loved pranking his younger siblings and playing “Cowboys and Indians” in the woods. In school, when he wasn’t getting written up for telling jokes during class, he excelled as a swimmer. He set numerous state and regional records, and became a fixture in local newspapers. An All-American swimmer, Frank received a full scholarship from The Ohio State University. He was a member of Varsity “O” and an officer in the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He was inducted into the Upper Merion Swimming Hall of Fame in 2005.
The beginning of his career wasn’t easy, but his strength and persistence carried him through every hurdle. Never afraid of hard work, his many jobs on the way to self-made success included driving trucks, pumping out septic tanks, and working the graveyard shift in a newspaper factory.
When he was 22 years old, he moved South to pursue the legal profession that would make him and his family proud for years to come. At first, he worked night shifts in bottling factories to put himself through law school. Eventually, he went to school at night and coached swimming during the day. He founded an AAU sanctioned championship swimming team, and even wrote a book, “How to Develop the Competitive Swimmer.” He graduated from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University in 1971 where he was a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International Law Society and Admiralty Club.
His work ethic was unmatched, and his success was hard-earned. He hung up a shingle in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and started a general law practice on his own. Frank called himself a “threshold attorney,” and he became an expert at whatever matter clients brought into his office. He earned the respect of his peers, and quickly made a name for himself as a successful solo practitioner. Within a few years, he began winning seven-figure verdicts for his clients due to his tenacity, intelligence, and dedication. His eyes twinkled when he regaled people with stories of his legal triumphs – from seeking justice for wrongful death victims to maritime adventures managing Inca Lines in Bolivia.
When he was 42 years old, he met the love of his life, Staci. They went on their first date on October 10, 1985 and were inseparable since that day. They worked side-by-side, and were partners in everything. Every challenge they faced together made them stronger, and Staci always said that he made her laugh every single day. Frank found true love in his “Staci Blue.”
On November 1, 1994, Frank and Staci welcomed their daughter, Taylor Marie, into the world. Nobody could compare to Frank as a father. His life transformed from living on the intracoastal and driving Ferraris to selflessly raising his daughter while practicing law in Jupiter. When Taylor was four years old, Frank and Staci began driving Taylor to piano lessons twice a week (a four hour drive, round-trip); when she was eight years old, they travelled to Las Vegas and Dallas for pageant competitions; when she was fifteen years old, Frank and Taylor travelled to France and to the Tanglewood Institute in Massachusetts for Taylor’s piano studies. And the list goes on.
Frank never thought twice about the sacrifices he made for his girls. He always led by example, and founded Beethoven Beatles & Beyond Foundation, a 501(c)(3) through which Frank, Staci, and Taylor donated instruments to underprivileged children.
Frank always called him, Staci, and Taylor “The Three Muskateers.” And they truly were. Staci and Taylor adored, respected, and idolized him. He was their protector and greatest champion. They loved each other “bigger than the world.” Frank, Staci, and Taylor share unconditional, eternal love.
Frank’s connection with his daughter was one-of-a-kind. Frank and Taylor were two halves of one heart: 50 years apart in age, they could finish each other’s sentences and read each other’s minds. Frank instilled his competitiveness, grit, and determination in Taylor every day. He beamed with pride when he told everyone he met that his daughter was Miss Florida 2018, and that she played the piano at Miss America on ABC. Frank coached, taught, and guided Taylor every single day of her life. For every problem, Frank had solutions. For every worry, Frank provided comfort. He will always be Taylor’s hero.
At ten months old, Taylor took her first steps toward her father into his arms, and has followed in his footsteps ever since. She began her legal education in 2019 at Villanova Law in Pennsylvania. He served as her inspiration to help others and to provide for her family with the dignity her father always did. They were thrilled that Taylor would graduate law school the same year Frank would receive his 50-year pin from the Florida Bar.
Frank was a respected attorney of 49 years, and he took deep pride in helping his clients. He approached all cases with unstoppable zeal and unimpeachable ethics. He treasured the hundreds of thank-you letters he received from his clients over the years. He was a true gentleman, and the embodiment of the “last great generation.” He believed in a firm handshake, face-to-face conversations, and unassailable honesty. He never turned his back on a client, even when they were unable to compensate him - his heart was just that big.
He was a born teacher, but never stopped learning. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and could hold an intelligent conversation with anyone about anything. He loved Buckeye football, Sunday family dinners, studying history and religion, debating politics, reading about UFOs, watching old Westerns, guiding Taylor through her law studies, and listening to his playlist, “Frank’s Top 250 songs.” He maintained close ties with friends of over 50 years, he cherished his close bond with his brothers and sisters, and loved spending time with his brother-in-law at their favorite watering holes. He even wrote a book about his mother that he proudly distributed to his fifty-two nieces and nephews, and four Godchildren.
Frank lived life his way: with a sense of humor, integrity, positivity, down-to-earth toughness, and unwavering faith in God. His presence was felt by all wherever he was, and his laughter filled every room. Frank was the final word: when he spoke, people listened. He was respected by all who met him, and beloved by all who knew him. He was truly a great man. There has never been, nor will there ever be, anyone like Frank Tyson.
A funeral service for Frank will be held Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 12 PM at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 13591 Prosperity Farms Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. Following the service will be a reception from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM in the parish hall.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aycockfuneralhomejupiter.com for the Tyson family.
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