Tom Frank - The passing of a true friend and warrior off and on the pool tables …..

Tom Frank, age 70, passed away Monday morning, December 24, 2007. Those who knew Tom as a pool player admired the tenacity with which he played. Tom could never be accused of not trying. His trademark attempt for perfect concentration and bare-down approach on virtually every shot certainly rubbed off on his son Troy and nephew Brian; both known for their unflappable focus on the green felt. Troy Frank now makes his home in Florida and plays the professional circuit when possible. Brian Frank is one of the top players in NE Ohio today and was recognized in 2003 and 2007 as GCABA Male Player of the Year. It was this tenacity and “will-to-win” approach that helped Tom garner three of the most prestigious team tournaments in the country. His “Last Resort” team with Troy, Brian and Barry Hixon won the highly coveted National Team Open in Milwaukee approximately twenty years ago. Another team comprised of Tom, Troy and Brian plus Brian Halter and Dave Schneider captured a 1st place win in the Sandusky National Team Open against arguably some of the best team competition in the world at the time. His “On the Snap” team won the OCMA State Masters Event in 1996 with Tom, Troy and teammates Dan Capestrain, Brian Halter, Duane Lambes, Dick Moecia and Dave Schneider. Tom was an original board member of the Greater Canton Amateur Billiard Association and offered valuable insight when the organization was getting off the ground. He founded the “Troy Frank Player of the Year Award” in honor of his son. Tom was inducted into the GCABA Hall of Fame class of 2001. He was a great supporter of the pool community. This is best illustrated after retirement from Graphic Enterprises, he purchased and operated a tavern in Canal Fulton, “On-the-Snap”, just for pool players. He was always an advocate to bring pool "out of the basement, out of the dungeons to a respectable level". Tom had no enemies. He was always the first to pick up a tab or share a joke and his ethical standards were always high. He was liked by virtually everyone. Tom played with every major league system over the years including the Canton Billiard League, Clark & Son Monday 8-Ball League, Tuesday Louisville/Canton 8-Ball League, Wednesday BCA League, Thursday VNEA 8-Ball League and Saturday Massillon Tavern 8-Ball League. Tom will surely be missed as a friend and as a player. Our hearts go out to his spouse Joan and the entire family. (April 7, 1937 – December 24, 2007) Home