Frank C. Muscato

Frank C. Muscato June 24, 1942 - July 16, 2026 Frank was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario to Frank James and Leola (nee Pedersen) Muscato. His siblings were his older brother Gary and younger sister Patty. Frank’s parents lovingly raised their family while also trying to make ends meet in an era when WWII was wreaking havoc across the globe. Their extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins in the neighborhood helped each other throughout his youth. From a young age, Frank was a go-getter, concocting ways to make money so he could play hockey at the local ice rink or go to the Saturday matinees, back then about 10 cents. (While his friends would plan to buy popcorn, he’d stop off at the local Italian bakery for his preferred movie treat — a loaf of Italian bread.) Frank would enlist Patty’s help in these endeavors, such as collecting coat hangers from neighbors which they would then deliver to local cleaners for a penny a piece; or shining tourists’ shoes down at the Falls. His early teen years included working at a horse ranch and attending local dances where, he claims, he mostly stood on the sidelines because he was shy. In early 1962, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army at Buffalo, New York. After serving three years, he was honorably discharged. Later that same year, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He was stationed at Barksdale base in Shreveport, Louisiana, serving in the 2nd Security Police Squadron. During this time, he applied and tested to become a U.S. citizen. In 1968, he received his Certificate of Naturalization. Frank’s pride in being a U.S. citizen was life-long; he truly loved America. An early marriage while stationed in Louisiana gave him his beloved son Frank James (“Jamie”). Frank loved being a father and enjoyed his young son immensely. He was involved as much as possible with Jamie’s activities, such as coaching his youth football team. In 1969, Frank was hired by the Dallas Police Department. The family re-located and his 24-year career began. He served in the Patrol Division, as an Academy instructor, and finally, as a detective in the Intelligence Division. Frank was an outstanding officer — upright, fair, respectful. Many of his former partners and academy recruits remember him fondly. For over 20 years after Frank’s retirement in 1994, a police informant would still call him from time to time, seeking the wisdom that Frank would offer when asked. The guy had straightened out his life and told Frank how it was his kindness and respect that helped him achieve a better life. Despite Frank’s first marriage ending, he continued to learn and grow, with his glass half-full optimism. There was one academy recruit in particular who befriended Frank, Karen Sumner. After her police academy graduation, they became friends and running partners in the early 1980’s. Long runs around Bachman or White Rock lakes, with nothing to do but talk (and breathe, ha) allowed for the time needed to really get to know each other. Eventually, their friendship became romance. On December 4, 1982, in the early morning hours, Frank and Karen were married in a small chapel near White Rock Lake. They then proceeded out to the starting line to run the Dallas White Rock Marathon. It was the beginning of a life-long adventure of love, family, travel, and innumerable joyous moments. Frank and Karen were blessed with two beautiful children, Maralee Carol in 1983, and Jonathan Sumner in 1984. Upon Frank’s retirement from Dallas PD, they moved to Bloomington, Indiana to be closer to Karen’s parents. During these years, Frank worked for Walmart as a nationwide investigator of organized retail crime (ORC). He also presented proposed legislation to various state legislatures and Congress in an effort to combat ORC. The position involved much travel, but he worked hard to ensure he was still present for his family — visits with Jamie in Florida to fish together, cheering on Maralee at cross-country events and Jon at swim meets, helping them learn to drive, and seeing them off to college. Being dad to his three children was his greatest joy. The combined family vacations were treasured times. Frank enjoyed watching sports, deep sea fishing, eating Italian food, and tossing around ideas with family members of what he could next. And then he did! In 2016, Karen was interested in getting an electric bicycle. While looking into them and riding one after 50 years of not being on a bike, Frank was hooked. Instead of just buying two bicycles, he opened a Pedego Electric Bike store in Bloomington and then a second one in Louisville, Ky. Although he really loved his earlier careers, the bike stores were the most fun for him. He loved talking with customers and spreading the word about electric bikes. The store ownerships were brief, but this allowed Frank and Karen to travel with their e-bikes, riding trails in the western and southern parts of the U.S., and Vancouver and Niagara Falls, Canada. The Route of Hiawatha Trail in Idaho and the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota were two favorites. In 2023, Frank and Karen lost their beloved daughter Maralee to cancer, an immeasurable heartache. But from it also came new friendships with those whom Maralee always called her Colorado family. This remarkable group of friends is now our Colorado family too, and we love them dearly. Frank is survived by Karen, his wife of 43 years. She remains eternally his life-long partner and he, the love of her life. He is also survived by his two amazing sons, whom he deeply loved and had immense pride in — Jamie (Sonya) of Tallahassee, Florida, and Jonathan (Holly) of Bloomington, Indiana. Frank loved and thought the world of Sonya and Holly. He knew how blessed his sons were to marry such fine women. Frank adored his grown grandchildren — Payton, of Tallahassee, and Kaleb (partner Ruka), of New York City. And he doted on his young grandchildren, Noah and Mila, playing hide-and-seek and dressing up in costume at 83 years of age. Frank is also survived by his loving sister Patty Leach; sisters-in-law Cathy Stone and Carol Prutsman; niece Deanna; and nephews Gary, Steve, and Mike. To his old DPD buddies, the friendships and memories were priceless. And to his Walmart family — Jack, Janet, Hunter, TC, Mary Jo, and the annual October reunion gang, you meant more to him than you know. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Maralee, his brother Gary, sister-in-law Carol Muscato, brother-in-law Barry Leach, niece Denise, and nephews David and Rick. Our family wants to acknowledge Dr. Nicholas Zyromski, MD and his medical team at IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis, and the teams of ICU Drs and RNs, Respiratory Therapists, Physical Therapists, and all who tried their utmost to enable his recovery. Every one of you was incredible. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Please join us for a Celebration of Frank’s life on October 2nd, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the IU Memorial Union State Rooms East & West in Bloomington, Indiana. If Frank were coming, he’d be wearing shorts.

Tributes

Frank C. Muscato

June 24, 1942 - July 16, 2026