Frank Alexander Tuma
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frank Alexander Tuma on November 8, 2024, at the age of 88, in the Hope Hospice House in Cape Coral, Florida.
Frank was a bigger-than-life personality whose unmistakable laughter and captivating stories will be profoundly missed by his friends and family. Frank began his life on February 3, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended Jesuit elementary and high schools before graduating from John Carroll University with a degree in Physics. His career as a physicist took him across the country, working with Boeing in Seattle, the Cape in Florida, New Orleans, and Houston. Frank was truly a Renaissance man. Sleeping under the stars as a boy on the farm, he learned farming at the age of 9, when his family moved to the country. He was not only a respected physicist but also a passionate sailor who earned dozens of first-place finishes in sailing races in the United States and the Galapagos, including several single-handed races across the Gulf of Mexico. A pioneer in multihull racing in the Galveston Bay area, he served as the Race Committee Chairman for the Galveston to Veracruz Race for many years.
A dedicated martial artist, Frank earned six black belts in various martial arts disciplines and spent the past 45 years practicing and teaching Tai Chi. He cherished the moments spent on his boat, Ki, taking his students on outings to the scenic Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
In his retirement, Frank channeled his creativity into music, composing and producing over 300 CDs that are still available on iTunes. Known affectionately as Island Frank, he showcased his talent at numerous civic events in Houston, Fort Myers, Naples, and on Pine Island, where he touched the hearts of many. His website, islandfrank.net, is still online.
Traveling was another of Frank’s great loves. After moving to Florida, he embraced life on the water, trading his sails for a Sea Ray powerboat. He embarked on countless adventures to the Keys and the Bahamas with his partner, Sharon Traylor, and their cherished pets, Mandy, Sadie and Sinbad. He spent many summers with his grandchildren, Drake and Amber, cruising the waters of South Florida.
Frank’s musical legacy includes island-style compositions recorded on his arranger and made available through various streaming platforms. His passion for music was infectious, and he was always in motion whenever he heard its rhythms.
Frank is survived by his two brothers, Tom Tuma and Chris Tuma, two children, Laura Tuma and Scott Tuma and wife, Christina Tuma, 5 grandchildren, Drake Smith, Amber Smith, Haleigh Holland, Brice Tuma, Caitlyn Tuma, And four great grandchildren … Brooklynn Massey, Baylor Love, Adelynn Love, and Hampton Love. He also leaves behind his lifetime partner, Sharon Traylor, and his two beloved “girls”, Candy and Zoe.
As we mourn his passing, we wish Frank happy travels as he traverses the Universe he loved so well, playing his music in the way he always dreamed. He will remain forever in our hearts.