Stephen (Steve) Michael Frankino, 58, passed away unexpectedly on June 29, 2017. He was taken far too soon, but lived more life in his short years than most do in their lifetime. We know that he is fishing, golfing, floating, skiing, and mountain biking on streets of gold now up in Heaven. He loved the Lord and is now enjoying His company.
Steve was born in to a loving Irish/Italian clan in Missoula, Montana on January 13, 1959. He was third of five children born to John and Agnes Connors Frankino. He was an all-around athlete excelling in football, basketball, and golf. He played football for Carroll College and was an avid Carroll fan. He enjoyed volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters and other local events and thoroughly enjoyed being under the Friday night lights as part of the chain crew, cheering on the Helena football teams.
Steve graduated from Capital High School class of 1977, Carroll College and the University of Montana Law School. During his career he was a partner in the Hughes, Kellner, Sullivan and Alke Law Firm. He also loved working with Judge Sherlock as a Senior Law Clerk, and was looking forward to retiring in September after serving as a State of Montana Administrative Law Judge.
An avid outdoorsman, Steve treasured spending time floating any river, fishing, golfing, skiing, mountain biking and spending time with his family and his many friends. It was rare to find him without a mountain bike, golf clubs, or a fully stocked tackle box and a raft in his backseat. He loved teaching people how to fish, float, golf, ski or bike. He especially loved teaching his grandson, Peyton, all the sports and outdoor hobbies he loved. He lived life to the fullest, every single day, as an adventure. He knew how to work hard, and play even harder.
Steve was extremely proud of his two daughters, Anna (Jason) Richards and Jenna Frankino. His father, John Frankino, and infant brother John Gabriel Frankino preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughters, and his mother, Aggie; his former wife Denise Troupe Frankino and girlfriend Julie Jenkinson; siblings, Janice (Stuart) Doggett, Dan (Mindy Swan) Frankino, Kathi Frankino, and David Frankino; grandson, Peyton Richards, aunts Roberta Clowes and Rosemarie Frankino and has many fun-loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
We are celebrating Steve’s life on Saturday, July 29th, 2017 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Green Meadow Country Club.
Pease send pictures, videos, and memories to Frankinomemories@gmail.com in lieu of flowers. Please send memorials to Class of ’77 Scholarship Fund c/o Bruce Campbell or a charity of your choice. Please see below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Steve.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 5, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Celebration of His Life
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m
Saturday July 29, 2017
Green Meadow Country Club
2720 Country Club Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 5, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Celebration of His Life
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m
Saturday July 29, 2017
Green Meadow Country Club
2720 Country Club Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Ron Roth says
Back in the day…the consummate competitor. Tough, proud – a real hustler – and most of all a gentleman. Rest in peace, Steve. Our prayers are strong and many for you and your family.
Lance johnson says
My fellow classmate and point guard on our high school basketball team. A loving father, grandpa. Loved the outdoors. Gave his life to the Lord. Way to soon did this good man leave this earth. I pray for his family for this early loss but be rest assured he is in a good place and left hi love here on earth.
Rick Alden says
I remember sitting next to Steve in Mr. Bozdog’s math class in 7th grade at CR Anderson. Later when CHS went to a 4 year high school some of the 9th graders that went to CRA that lived out in the valley were sent to CHS. We played CRA in a freshman game at their place. I was on the kickoff team and we kicked off to CRA. Steve was the return man. I was to be his tackler. After the play was over Steve looked at me through his face mask and said “Wow! Good job Rick!”. He was always at the top of any class he was in. A great, God fearing guy who raised a great family and had a great many friends. Way too soon, but well done Steve-o.
Darcie A Briggs says
Steve,
Phil. 3:20-21 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven – and we also await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform these humble bodies of ours into the likeness of his glorious body by means of that power by which he is able to subject all things to himself.
Steve, you will be missed! God Bless and Prayers for you and your Family/Friends!
Amelie e Giovanni says
Con immenso dolore abbiamo appreso della prematura scomparsa del caro Steve.
Resterà per sempre nel nostro cuore e non mancheremo di ricordarlo nelle nostre preghiere.
Sentite condoglianze a tutta la sua famiglia.
Amelie e Giovanni Vacchiero
Nancy white says
Steve,
What a blessing you were too many. Rest now.
Nancy white
Julie & Jim DeMars says
We are keeping the Frankino family in our prayers…So very, very sorry to hear of Steve passing…Much too young.
Chuck & Vanessa Tolson says
Our thoughts and prayers to the entire Frankino family. Steve was a great guy! Taken way to soon. God a bless you all.
Tom Mellor says
My memories of Stevego back to UM days as a Phi Delt in the 70s. He was Bond number 1271 and I was 1248. He was a golf buddy through the years, and Steve always wanted a good game and played a good game – always competitively. And we had some great games at Green Meadow and a lot of laughs and pokes. He’ll be missed by many and remembered by all he touched. My condolences to Amy and all Steve’s family. I’ll hit a drive into the water today just for Steve :).
Kryss Kuntz says
My dear Frankino family and neighbors,
My heart and prayers are with you all. From one who knows the pain of losing such a precious gift too early, please know that even though he is not here with you in the flesh, Steve will always, always stay in your heart and memories. Rejoice in the life he lead. He was always a joy to bump into, always with a smile and good word. He truly will be missed by many but not forgotten. Kelly will love his company and the two of them will have lots to talk about and catch up on. Lots of love and hugs to you all.
God Bless and God Speed Steve.
Kryss
Cristiana Vacchiero says
Abbiamo trascorso con Steve brevi ma intensi momenti durante la sua visita a Tavagnasco. Abbiamo subito compreso la sua passione per lo sport.
In sella ad una bicicletta Steve ha potuto ammirare i nostri sentieri e le nostre montagne.
Durante il viaggio dei miei genitori in Montana, Steve li ha accompagnati sulla tomba del mio bisnonno morto per un incidente in miniera a Buttle. Steve, prima del loro arrivo, aveva fatto una minuziosa ricerca ed era riuscito ad esaudire il desiderio di mio papa’.
Lo ricorderemo con immenso affetto.
A tutta la sua famiglia un forte abbraccio.
Cristiana e fam.
jeff and melissa sherlock says
Hard to believe that Steve is not with us anymore. I worked with Steve for several years and considered him a good friend and colleague. Steve was a very talented attorney; but he took true delight in speaking of his family: especially his mother, Aggie, and his father, John. He reveled in the achievements of his daughters and grandchild. Steve was a good poker player, but his fellow players did take advantage of him, from time to time, when he started a story about the exploits of his Irish grandfather; he would get a bit carried away with the accent and gestures and forget to tend to his cards. We will truly miss this fine man; peace to Steve and all his wonderful family.
Lena Ayars says
I grew up with the Frankino’s. They lived directly across the alley from my family in Helena. Some of my most fondest memories include Anna, Jenna, Denise and Steve. Not only did Steve set the tone of a role model, he was one of the biggest supporters in whatever we were doing. Hearing of this tragic loss removes a piece of my heart that will never be replaced. Thank you Steve for all the guidance and advice you provided not only to your daughters, but your daughters best friends. Thank you for always cheering me on in soccer, always believing in me. Thanks for letting Anna and I sleep on the trampoline countless nights in my childhood. Thanks for always pushing us to be the best at every avenue in our individual lives. The Ayars family sends you, Anna, Jenna, Denise and the rest of your beautiful family our deepest and biggest condolences. We send you nothing but all of our love, thoughts and prayers. Thank you for impacting my life in numerous and various positive ways. You will be greatly missed, each and every day.
Glen Faechner says
I was on the receiving end of many a pleasurable and memorable float fishing adventures with the Italian Stallion and his life-time friend Flame. Sadly, the last of our excursions merely a week ago dubbed “the best float ever”.
What a pleasure it was to share a day and joust in lively banter with The Capital Boys verses the The Thundering Herd.
Our adventures will continue as the Stallion will always accompany us in mind and heart!
Mark says
My Brother And I Got To Know Steve And Dan Frankino At The Golden Rule Playing Basketball Back In The Day ! Steve Was Always Was A Wonderful Person To Be Around He Will Be Missed God Bless You Steve Brothers Jeff And Mark Ebert
Fraser MacDonald says
My condolences to the Frankino family and all of Steve’s many friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time
Pat O'Malley says
When Steve was clerk for judge Sherlock I would stop by his office a few times a week and we’d chip and putt golf balls and discuss our Irish guilt stories. Cheers my friend!
Tracie Reddig says
Prayers to all of Stephans Family!
May you Rest In Pease Stephen and know that you made a difference here on Earth! God Bless!
Dennis Quinn says
My thoughts, prayers & sympathy is sent to all of your family in the loss of Steve.
Brian & Jean Peacock says
Our sympathy and prayers to Aggie and all the family. We have nice memories of Steve, John and all of you from our friendships at Green Meadow Golf.
Gary Turcott says
My first memory of Steve is watching him play basketball for Capitol High. Next, I recall him playing football at Carroll as a defensive back. After that, he became a top golfer. He was one of those all-around athletes. When I was coaching men’s basketball at Carroll, Steve and Denise were host parents for one of the players. Steve would cook a big thick steak for him every Sunday. My favorite memory is watching the love and friendship between Steve and David and how much they enjoyed spending time together.
Donna Turcott says
Gary and I send our sympathy and love to you, Aggie, and all of the Frankino family.
Lisa DeGroat Goodrich says
I will always remember Steve as a kind and gentle person. It was fun to see his posts on Facebook and the delight he took in his grandson. I find comfort in knowing your faith will help you through this time of mourning. I send my deepest condolences and prayers. May you find peace, hope, and comfort in each other and your memories of Steve.
Tracey Hughes Gatlin says
My condolences to all of the Frankino family. Although I had lost touch with Steve after Helena he passed through my mind often. I still remember his laugh. He introduced me to my late husband Ray Petrilli and he was a good friend to us, especially during Ray’s sickness. Our oldest daughters were born on the same day and he was my younger daughter’s godfather. May he Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mike Griffith says
Judy joins with me in extending our heatfelt condolences to the entire Frankino family. We have many fond memories of hanging out on Harrison Ave. Witnessing the meaning of an All-American family. John was probably waiting at the Pearly Gates, Big Bertha in hand to start where he and Steve left off.
Connie Sands Jerome says
Sincere condolences to the whole family, my prayers of comfort will be with you all.
During our sophomore year of high school – Steve and I were in the same biology class, I have a funny memory of the time we had to dissect frogs (yuck) – I’ll never forget the tease that he was and that twinkle in his eye as he laughed seeing how squeamish I was.
May your fond memories of Steve be held close to your heart, until we see him again in heaven. – Connie
Steve Gross says
My thoughts and prayers to all in this most difficult time. God Bless.
Steve Gross
Mike Majors says
Thank You Steve Frankino for a life well lived and many great memories. Mike Majors
Dorothy and Mike McCarter says
To Steve’s family, our deepest sympathies for the loss of a wonderful guy. He was a pleasure to have in the courthouse for so many years, always with a smile on his face and a joy of living that is so rarely seen.
again, our deepest sympathies
Brad Newman says
My sympathy and prayers to the Frankino family. The news of Steve’s passing hit me with a jolt, but also opened a flood of fond memories. While I was a year ahead of Steve in school, most often I found myself a step or two behind him on a basketball court, a football field or the golf course. Steve was a fierce competitor and a good sport, a rare combination. He wanted to win, but took delight in others’ success. I lost contact with Steve after college and law school. When he decided to run for office in 2008, however, we had a chance to reconnect. Our conversations would start with some election strategy. Within minutes, Steve would move to a story about a family member or friend. He was so proud of all of you, he didn’t spend much time thinking of himself. What Steve lacked in political savvy, he made up in passion. Steve’s was a life too short, but a life well lived.
Pat Callbeck Harper says
Janice and the extended Frankino Family,
The Harper Family surrounds you in our care and support in this time of celebrating such a fine man. Blessings/Pat and Rusty
Ed Thamke says
I had the pleasure of knowing Steve through the Last Chance Toastmasters Club. In times of challenge I still use the signature line from one of his humorous speeches – “Never Bring a Knife to a Gun Fight”. Joanna and I pray for God’s Peace upon family, friends, and especially Steve.
Brenda Covert says
Denise and family, I know that Cheri has been passing along the CC Quad groups love and prayers but wanted to just say how sorry I am for you, the girls and the Frankino’s. Blessing my friend
Dianne Hoffman says
Ralph and I extend our deepest condolences to the Frankino family.
We were blessed to know Steve and were given the privilege to share in some special family experiences. Praying for God’s peace and comfort to cover all of you during this difficult time.
BL Qualls says
To the family and friends,
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one.
When Jesus was on earth his friend Lazarus died. He was in the tomb for 4 days already when Jesus arrived. Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ sisters were grieving and Jesus gave way to tears. Jesus compared death to sleep. He called to Lazarus and Lazarus came back to life! You can read this wonderful true account in the Bible at John chapter 11. Jusus demonstrated what he will do for mankind when his kingdom government is ruling over all the earth. Our loved ones will come back to life! At time there will be no more pain or death (Revelation 21:3,4.)
If you would like a free Bible study to bring you comfort, please go to the bottom of the home page of jw.org.
Bill Fischer says
I was blessed to be roomies with Steve in the Phi Delt house at U of M. My most memorable moment of him, was regaining consciousness after a car wreck, to him praying for me, as another one of our friends was saying to him, can’t you see it’s too late for that, he’s obviously dead. Thank you Steve, I probably owe you my life, see you in Heaven…RIP
Nancy Foley Young says
To the family of Stephen M. Frankino. My family sends their deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to you. Isaiah 25:8.
Curt Synness says
Condolences to Steve’s family and friends. I remember John telling me once, despite a brother in Carroll’s athletic Hall of Fame (Dan, football) that “Steve is probably the best all-around of all of us.” R.I.P. Steve Frankino.