Robert Franklin "Frank" Bentayou, 71, retired journalist, died May 13th in St. Petersburg from complications of Parkinson's disease. Born in Orlando on June 3, 1947, Frank was predeceased by his parents, Robert Maurice Bentayou and Ruby Bryant, and his brother Paul Maruice. Frank grew up in Tampa and St. Petersburg, where he graduated from Northeast High School. He graduated from the University of South Florida and received a master's degree from Kent State University. Frank spent 10 years as a reporter for the Tampa Tribune, covering politics, education, science, medicine, writing investigative stories and features. In the early 1980s he became editor of Tampa Magazine, which had a reputation for incisive reporting on local politics, business and community leaders until it changed ownership. Frank moved on to become editor of Cleveland Magazine. He was later a reporter for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, advisor to the student newspaper staff at Kent State and an adjunct journalism instructor. Frank was loved and admired by family and friends for his intelligence, compassion, kindness, loyalty and humor. He was fun to be around. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Evelyn; daughter Alexandra; son Matthew Bentayou, his wife Ashley and sons Justin, James and Jack; stepson Jeffrey Shirkey, his wife Lori and daughter Eleanor. A memorial for close friends and family will be announced at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to the American Heart Association or Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
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Gloria Bratton (Emerson)
I'm so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. I remember him as a delightful, pleasant, good-natured boy. Rest in peace, dear friend.