Dr. Frank Howard Pearce, 87, of Vero Beach, died July 17, 2011, at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach. He died of complications from Parkinsons disease.
Frank was born October 2, 1923 in Sumner Georgia, the only child of Caroline and Edgar Pearce. His family moved to Miami, FL in 1926, where his father was a pioneer tomato grower in Dade County. His mother became the President of the General Federation of Womens Clubs and served on the state Board of Regents for 10 years.
Frank graduated from Miami Senior High School, attended the University of Florida, North Carolina State University and the Northern Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, IL. He practiced optometry in Coral Gables, FL for 40 years, retiring in Vero Beach in 1992.
As a B17 bomber piolet, based in Foggia, Italy during World War II, Frank flew 22 missions over eastern Europe and was awarded the Air Medal and four battle stars. He was a member of the 99th Bomb Group Historical Society and coordinated the annual reunions with his crew members.
Frank was a member of Rotary Club of Coral Gables, Coral Reef Yacht Club and the Army-Navy Club of Coral Gables. He was a member of Christ By the Sea United Methodist Church and served on the Board of Trustees.
An accomplished artist and photographer of the Everglades, Frank had two one-man shows of his paintings at the Everglades National Park Visitors Center. He was frequently asked to lecture on the subject and show his beautiful photographs taken in the Park.
Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Jean Druliner Pearce; daughters, Cindy Millstein and her husband, Alan, Deborah Houlihan and her husband, Terry; and three grandsons, Robert, David, and Michael Millstein.
A memorial service will be held Friday, July 22 at 11AM at Christ By The Sea Methodist Church, 3755 N A1A, Vero Beach, Florida. Memorial gifts may be made in Franks name to VNA Hospice House, 901 37th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida. Condolences may be sent through www.coxgiffordseawinds.com