Frank Ear

Frank Patrick Ear, 87, of Dunnellon, FL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 under the care of Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast in Lecanto, FL.

Born in Aldershot, England, he was raised on the island of Malta and immigrated to the United States at the age of 18, settling with his three elder brothers, Vincent, Edgar and Harry in Detroit, MI.

Frank was a proud father to his children and was saddened to be preceded in death by his eldest son, John Francis Ear of Hernando, FL.  He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Roseann Ear (Morgan), his daughters, Francine Mullen (Martin) of London, Ontario, Therese Burnett (Jeffrey) of Pine Ridge, FL, his sons, Paul Anthony of Miami, FL, Frank Patrick, Jr. of Hernando, FL, Joseph Francis (Michelle) of Inverness, FL and fourteen grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Raised on an island, Frank shared his passion for the sea with his family and enjoyed many adventures on and around the water with them, living at various times along the shores of the Atlantic and the Pacific as well as the Great Lakes of Michigan.

He was a civil engineer by trade and was proud to speak of his work in the support of his country involving himself in projects ranging from ICBM missile bases in the early part of his career to NASA during the Apollo Program and eventual involvement in the construction of the Patriot Missile defense bunkers in the Middle East.  Frank ended his working career as a successful businessman with his wife Roseann in Texas where they built and ran Atascocita Boarding and Grooming Salon until 2002 when they sold their business to retire to Florida and be closer to his children and the water that he loved.

Frank was an active member of his church and a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus serving as a color guard and attaining the honorary distinction of 4 ^th Degree Knight.

Viewing will be held at Heinz Funeral Home & Cremation in Inverness, FL on Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon followed by a Catholic Mass celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Citrus Springs, FL. at 1:00 p.m.