About Frank

Francis John Marx V, "Frankie," was a blessing and an inspiration to all who met him. A leader in academics and athletics, Frankie was also a person of faith who shared God's love richly. Jesus said, "I came so that they might have life and live it to the fullest." Frankie did just that.

Graduating from Fairfield University with a nearly perfect academic record, Frankie had been chosen to deliver the University's Valedictory Address at Graduation Exercises to be held in Connecticut. Frankie achieved the distinction of induction into Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Jesuit Honor Society. But Frankie's skills stretched beyond the classroom. He also was captain of the Crew Team and committed to community service. Frankie served as a Eucharistic Minister and was active in Campus Ministry.

Excellence also marked Frankie's time in grade school and high school as well. St. Bede the Venerable Grade School honored Frankie with their "Green and Gold" Award - a recognition of "Outstanding Sportsmanship and Leadership," as well as an "Outstanding Academic Achievement" Award signed by the President of the United States. And at Holy Ghost Prep, too, his professors and his fellow students praised him. In his Junior year he was given an award, "Determination in the Face of Difficulty," and was cited as a "Courageous Athlete," and in his Senior year he received the "Dr. Provan" Award for Leadership.

Mostly, though, Frank was a person of heart. He loved his parents. He was a friend, confidant, and inspiration to his sisters and little brother. He deeply honored his grandparents. "Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop" were his special e-mail buddies, and never did Frankie come home from college that he did not stop to pull up weeds from their garden, mow their lawn, or otherwise make sure they were happy and well.

Frankie always strove for perfection. He understood that God had blessed him richly and that it was his privilege and responsibility to share God's love. In the Valedictory Address that Frankie had prepared to deliver at his graduation, he intended to say to his colleagues: "We must...Have compassion or 'heart' for others, and...compliment this with action by enthusiastically participating in the world's events...Now is our opportunity to live out our education, promote positive change and act in the world to make it a better place."

Recalling the retreats he had participated in with his father at Malvern, Frankie concluded the Valedictory Address by sharing the prayer that brings to a close every retreat: "Prosit," a Latin word praising God that means: "May it be for your benefit."

Frankie's life was for God's benefit. His family is peaceful in the faith and knowledge that his death is for God's benefit as well.

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"In Loving Memory of Francis J. Marx V"

Written by Brian LaBelle '05

"Do not live passively, but be extraordinary," Frank wrote in his Valedictory Address. Francis John Marx V applied these words every day of his life. As a dedicated family member, friend, classmate, housemate, and teammate Frankie's beaming smile and good nature were contagious to everyone he met. Frank was the kind of guy who could tell when you were having a rough day, and he was always there to offer a quick joke to lighten your spirits or some thoughts on how you might be able to make things better. Frank was extremely talented, however he was exceedingly humble. Even though Frank could do a near perfect job at anything he attempted, he never boasted. He was always encouraging and offering positive reinforcement to his friends.

There was no challenge Frank was afraid to tackle, no frown he couldn't turn into a smile, no stranger he couldn't befriend and no problem that he couldn't solve. Frank indeed had the whole package. Frank touched the lives of everyone he met in some way; whether congratulating a classmate on a job well done, sharing laughs over a few libations with his friends, or always persevering through the hardest of times during his crew career and maintaining his contagious positive attitude that often turned things around for his team.

Frank often said, "gimme life straight, no chasers" and he did just that. Frank knew exactly who he was and what he wanted to do. He lived his life with purpose always remembering that his faith in God came first, and he let his strong faith guide his decisions.

As his short life tragically ended in May 2004, Frank now continues his humble service to others with God. There are no words to describe the pain and suffering many of us feel from the loss of Frank. Frankie was one of a kind. Though few of us often say it, Frank was never reluctant to say "I love you" to his friends and show it through his kindness and his smile. Frank, we love you and we miss you.

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