Frankscisco (Frank) Oquendo

Frank was born January 12, 1950 in Coral Gables, Florida. His father Rafael
Oquendo was from Caracus, Venezula SA; and his mother Nellie Custodio was
from Brooklyn, N.Y.
In November, 2018 Frank was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (a plasma cell
cancer in the bone marrow). In July, 2019 he had a bone marrow transplant for
remission. He passed away in November 15, 2021 from a newly diagnosed heart
failure... he was 71.
He graduated from Coral Park High School in Miami, Florida where he played
defensive end for the football team The Rams. He remained lifelong friends with
his teammates. He was later an avid University of Florida football fan.
His bachelor degree was in Physical Education from The University of Florida
(Gainesville, Florida). He obtained a Masters degree in Administrative/Curriculum
From Nova University (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida). He also had a Masters degree in
Exercise and Sports Sciences with an emphasis on special populations pedagogy
from The University of Florida.
Frank was certified as Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Training and first Aid,
CPR for the professional rescuer.
Frank served as a college instructor at Santa Fe College (Gainesville, Florida)
and South Texas community College (McAllen, Texas). He taught Physical
Education at Horace O' Brant Middle School (Key West, Florida).
He trained in martial arts since the early 1970's. Throughout his adult life he
remained dedicated to his lsshinryn Martial Arts training and was an instructor.
Frank enjoyed sailing, diving, exploring and traveling through the Florida Keys
and Key West; as well as The Black Hills of South Dakota. His favorite destinations
here included Custer State Park, the Wildlife Loop, Mt. Rushmore, and Crazy
Horse. He loved how majestic The Black Hills are and the free roaming buffalo.
He enjoyed a good grouper sandwich. He often grilled outside. He was pleased
with his spaghetti he made and often shared with his friends.
Recently he was acknowledged by the Gainesville City Commission for his
dedication to restoration interests at an area in Gainesville known as" Oakwood
Commons". He took great care in cleaning up the neighborhood and promoting
the wellbeing of the wildlife.
Survivors include his wife of 33 years, JoAnne Miller Oquendo, from Rapid City,
South Dakota; his sister Julie Bellow, niece Brook, nephew Mitch all from
Dunnellon, Florida. He has a brother Ralph, two nieces Eva and Yvette who reside
in Zaandam, Netherlands.
There will be a private interment of the cremains off the coast of lslamorada,
Florida during the spring of 2022 .

Memorial suggestions are: TheHealthwell Foundation Healthwellfoundation.org 1-800-675-8416

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society LLS.org 1877-577-2672