Frank P. Toppino, a beloved leader in the Florida Keys and a man who embodied kindness, hard work, and generosity, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 22, with his family by his side. His life was a testament to the values of faith, family, and community, and his legacy will forever remain a part of the Keys. Frank was born June 15, 1923, in Winter Park, Florida, to Orsolina and Charley Toppino. He was the second oldest of five sons who all became integral members of an emerging construction business, Charley Toppino & Sons. The Toppinos moved to Marathon, FL in 1938, and eventually settled in Key West in 1946. As a 13-year-old boy, Frank's first job with the company was to drive a truck to and from the mainland every day to replenish potable water. At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army without informing his parents. He served four years in the Army Air Corps during World War Il, including two years deployed to China. After the war, Frank was eager to rejoin the family business. During the final leg of his travels from Asia back to the Keys, he was riding a bus when he saw his brothers working at a construction site. Before he ever made it home, he instructed the bus driver to stop, stepped off the bus, got to work, and never looked back. Soon after, Frank married Key West Native Betty Rose Kerr, and together they had three children; Danny, Ramona, and Richard. While raising their families, Frank and his brothers expanded their business with new projects throughout South Florida, Cuba, and Costa Rica. They specialized in highway and bridge work, among other heavy construction projects. Frank loved taking his young children and grandchildren to job sites to help instill the family's legacy in them individually. He remained with the company for more than 75-years and served as President from 1972 until 2019. Frank was a tough but fair boss at Charley Toppino & Sons while serving as a mentor and leader. He was an unfailing example of what hard work and pride in the workplace meant. Frank was immensely proud of the exponential growth of the business under the management of his sons Richard and Danny and grandsons Andrew and John. Over the decades, Frank participated extensively in Key West's civic affairs in various leadership roles. In addition to serving on numerous boards and appointments, he served 20-years on the Monroe County Contractors Examining Board. On his 100th birthday in 2023, Frank was honored for 30-years of service as Chairman of the Key West Housing Authority when the Senior Living Center on Duck Avenue was dedicated as the Frank P. Toppino Poinciana Gardens Senior Living Complex. Frank always loved to entertain and was consistently generous with lunch and dinner invitations. He loved to recount stories from his early years with the company, military service in China, and doing business in Cuba and Costa Rica. More recently, his favorite topics included his growing family and their collective accomplishments. While the stories and audiences evolved over the decades, one thing did not; good food and fine wine. Frank was a devout Catholic and never started a meal before reciting grace. As Head Usher and an active member of The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, he welcomed worshippers to Sunday Mass for many decades. He entertained a regular crowd of friends at brunch following Mass and was a generous supporter of the church and Basilica school, providing both construction services and financial support. On his 80th birthday, he received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope John Paul II. The passing of Frank P. Toppino is more than the loss of a beloved individual; it marks the end of a generation that upheld respect, integrity, and a deep sense of community. Frank's life was a shining example of what it means to live with purpose and generosity, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire. As we reflect on his life, it's clear how important it is to carry on the values he embodied-kindness, humility, and dedication to others. By doing so, we not only honor his memory but also ensure his spirit lives on in the world around us.