Mark Allen Frantz
January 21, 2019
Mark Allen Frantz, 53, of Gainesville passed away January 21, 2019 at the E. T. York Hospice Center. Mark was born February 22, 1965 in Springfield, Ohio, the eldest son of James A. (Claudia) and Elizabeth Jean Frantz.
He was a 1983 graduate of Urbana High School (Ohio) and will long be remembered by classmates for his humility, humor, and athleticism. Mark excelled at football, basketball, and baseball, but his true love was baseball. He helped his team win the state championship in 1982 and become the state runner-up champions in 1983. Mark then went on to serve his country in the United States Navy.
He was a valued employee of the PetSmart Corporation, working as the manager in Jacksonville and then Gainesville. He was very passionate about rescuing and placing pets in their forever homes. For the last seven years, he has received the award for managing store with the most pet adoptions across the PetSmart Corporation. In 2017, Alachua County, Florida, declared April 11 as “Mark Frantz Day” in honor of his contributions in rescuing and adopting 14,506 animals since 2011.
Mark continued his passion for baseball by coaching hundreds of children over the years and starting his own travel team known as “Kryptonite.” He instilled in them the love of the game and the value of good sportsmanship! When not on the ball field, he was following his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes or Cincinnati Reds!
Mark is survived by his wife of 19 years, Robin Frantz; father and stepmother, James and Claudia Frantz; mother, Jeanie Frantz; children, Michael Johnson; Christopher Frantz (Ashley); Alex Johnson (Valerie); Wendy Johnson; Brad Frantz; grandchildren, Jayden, Eden, Houston, Lexton, and Kodi; brothers Paul (Ronda) Frantz and Dave (Cherie) Frantz; nieces and nephews, Jared, Colleen, Emily, Kelsey, and Averie Frantz; and several cousins and aunts and uncles.
Please make donations to “Kryptonite” or PetSmart Charities (http://www.petsmartcharities.org/).
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Our community has lost our life-saving hero. Mark was a champion for all pets and their people in Alachua County, and he inspired the animal welfare organizations to greater and greater achievements through his leadership and support. The day the County Commission proclaimed Mark Frantz Day will remain one of the proudest moments in my life, because we all got to show our gentle giant how much we love, respect, and honor him. Thank you, Mark, for all the positive impact you made on our lives and those of the dogs and cats you helped to save. We will work harder than ever now, and we will make you proud.
I can’t say enough great stuff about this man. He’s a lovely man, great heart, wonderful Father. I am in awe of what he’s done for his family and the pet community. He was the best boss to me, never condescending, always smiling , loved a good joke or two. He will be missed. May he rest in God’s loving hands, an angel indeed!!
I can’t say enough great stuff about this man. He’s a lovely man, great heart, wonderful Father. I am in awe of what he’s done for his family and the pet community. He was the best boss to me, never condescending, always smiling , loved a good joke or two. He will be missed. May he rest in God’s loving hands, an angel indeed!!
I can’t say enough great stuff about this man. He’s a lovely man, great heart, wonderful Father. I am in awe of what he’s done for his family and the pet community. He was the best boss to me, never condescending, always smiling , loved a good joke or two. He will be missed. May he rest in God’s loving hands, an angel indeed!!
I can’t say enough great stuff about this man. He’s a lovely man, great heart, wonderful Father. I am in awe of what he’s done for his family and the pet community. He was the best boss to me, never condescending, always smiling , loved a good joke or two. He will be missed. May he rest in God’s loving hands, an angel indeed!!
Through my years working with Mark (at Albertsons before the closed), was a hard-working, kind and amazing team member. I know he was amazing with animals. Proud to say, he was my friend. I’m so sad by this untimely passing.
Praying for each of you as you cherish the memories made with Mark. I loved being Mark’s cousin! Many memories were made when we were little and through high school as I loved being an “honorary” Hillclimber and cheering him on! Whether sitting around the table at grandpa and grandma’s house, playing monopoly, or picking up a game of ball in the backyard, Mark, it seemed, always got “stuck” with me! Precious memories of a very special cousin! May God give you peace and may you feel God’s arms around you in the days ahead.
I can’t say enough great stuff about this man. He’s a lovely man, great heart, wonderful Father. I am in awe of what he’s done for his family and the pet community. He was the best boss to me, never condescending, always smiling , loved a good joke or two. He will be missed. May he rest in God’s loving hands, an angel indeed!!
The year I had Mark in class is such a memorable one for me. He and his “Gang of Four” made that class one of my favorites during 31 years at UJHS.
My sincere condolences to all of Mark’s family and friends. He will be greatly missed. Growing up and playing baseball, basketball, football, and slow pitch softball with Mark are some of my favorite memories. His 400 ft home runs and infectious laugh will never be forgotten by me or any of his Urbana family. Rest in peace “Kong”
I am so very sorry for your loss. Losing a child is especially heartbreaking.
Mrs. Frantz and Jayden, I have not stopped thinking of you both and have been praying for comfort. I am incredibly sorry for your loss, but in Mr. Frantz’s time with you he had such an incredible impact. I hope you find peace knowing you have someone looking out for you, and I know his very best qualities are instilled in Jayden. Love to you both!!
I will miss Mark forever. He was like a brother to me. One of the best people I’ve ever had the privilege to know. I love you buddy, you will be sorely missed.
Blessings to this family