Frank A. Toner

Remembering Frank A. Toner

aka Big Frank

By: Gail Trotter, Frank’s Daughter.

Frank A. Toner was born in Philadelphia July 25, 1922. He was the 2nd oldest of 3 children born to Frances Xavier and Marie C. Toner. Joseph, Frank, and baby Marie grew up during the depression learning to grow close to God and each other during the most challenging times in American history. Frank was a gifted artist who first learned by drawing pictures in front of local businesses asking for only a sandwich or spare change.

            Later on he attended art school, studying under Norman Rockwell’s famous Artist Studio where he then graduated after three years in 1958. Frank is fondly remembered for his devotion to his loving family, his beautiful singing voice, his poetry, great sense of humor, and his very talented drawings and cartoons which though never commercially marketed have been sought after by people who recognized the talent and beauty as well as meanings that reflect everyday life and living.

            During the Second World War Frank enlisted in the CCC’s (Civilian Conservation Corps) enacted by Franklin Delano Roosevelt and we well remember the stories of his box car travels through Arizona. Though devastated by the death of his much loved brother, who was killed on an island in the Pacific during the war, God sent to him an angel and comforter in the name of Ruth Naomi Kourge, whom he married in 1946 and preceded him to the arms of our Lord in 2005. His brother Joe was awarded the Purple Heart for heroism and though Joe never had the chance to meet Ruth, Frank wrote many letters about her and with her help, soldiered on.

            Frank served the people and City of Philadelphia with honorable and faithful service as a Correctional Officer for 27 years and after retirement worked for Beaver College as a campus security officer.

            Frank and Ruth leave behind three grown children, Gail, Daniel, and Douglas who were all born about seven years apart and so they were gifted to be the youngest for a good period of time.

Gail who is his oldest child, whose family includes her husband Thomas Trotter II, his grandchildren Thomas Trotter III, Michael Trotter, Alissa Garis, Rachael Weikel, and Bernadette Snider. Along with 22 great grandchildren Ryan, Amber, Katrina, Kyle, Michael Jr., Mary, Julia, Eric Jr., Joseph, Amanda, Anthony, Samantha, Stephen, Katherine, Joshua, Doran Jr., Sarah, Christopher, Justina, Juliana and his great great grandchildren Michael Thomas, Nathaniel, Faith, Juliana, Charmous, and Gabriela. 

Daniel who is Frank’s first born son, whose family includes his grandchildren Shannon Toner and Jason Toner, along with his great grandchildren, Alexa and Aiden.

Finally, he leaves behind Douglas, who is Frank’s youngest son.  Doug was not only Frank’s son, but he was his caretaker, watching over him during his time of need. 

Frank also leaves behind his much loved sister Marie Baker and brother in law, Robert Baker who preceded him in death April 29th 2016 and whose family includes, his nephew Bob Jr., and nieces Bonnie and Milinda.

Frances Aloysius Toner, you will be surly missed by all and we thank you for all the love and memories that God has allowed you to give us. You were indeed a cherished part of the Great Generation.

Relatives and friends invited to Viewing Thursday, May 26th, 10:00 AM followed by Funeral Service 11:00 AM at KOLLER FUNERAL HOME, 6835 Ridge Ave, Phila, PA  19128.  Interment Hillside Cemetery.

Share Condolences at www.kollerfuneralhomel.com

Florists: Flowers may be delivered Wednesday from Noon to 2 P.M. To KOLLER FUNERAL HOME.

 Service Information