Celebrating a life well-lived!

Franklin Ora Damude, age 96, passed away January 6, 2026, in Stuart, Florida. Frank was born November 1, 1929, to Percy and Helen (Moehl) Damude in Akron, Ohio.

Frank graduated from Akron North High School in 1947. He continued his education, earning a degree in business, from Kent State University. Frank proudly served his country by enlisting in the Army, and joined the infantry in 1952, with a rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Frank was employed by the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company and spent many years in Liberia and Ghana, as the comptroller for the Firestone rubber plantations. Frank married the love of his life, Helen Bradford in 1961. Frank and Helen travelled extensively. They loved to cruise and entertain. Frank owned a cabin on Big Gull Lake in Ontario, Canada and enjoyed boating, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. After retiring from Firestone, Frank and Helen moved to California and then decided to spend their summers in Canada and winters in Indiantown, Florida. Frank enjoyed life and was known as the "funcle", the fun uncle. He liked to make his nieces and nephews laugh.

Frank leaves behind his sister-in-law, Kathryn Damude, nieces Carolyn Helbert (Steve), Christine Pignatiello (Joe), Laurie Amicone (John), and Ruth Bowman (Tom) and his nephews Frank E. Damude (Debi) and William Damude (Marcia). He also leaves behind many great nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Helen, and his brother, Collin. Frank's wish was to be cremated and his ashes, along with Helen's ashes, be scattered in the Atlantic Ocean. Per his wishes, there will be no services. His extended family of nieces and nephews toasted him through a Zoom call, and shared their favorite moments of a life well lived!