Eric Frank, 51, of Punta Gorda, passed away Monday, April 6th, 2026. Eric was born in Charlotte County, Florida, where he built a life defined by love, laughter, adventure, and an unwavering devotion to his wife and daughter, who were truly his everything.

Eric lit up every room he entered, known for his quick wit and ability to make others laugh- well after their sides started to hurt. He carried a spirit that drew people in and made them feel at home.

Eric proudly served his country in the United States Army, including deployment to Haiti. During deployment, he wrote letters home filled with love and longing. Counting down the days until he could return and begin the life he dreamed of building with Tracy. That dream became a reality, and together they built a beautiful life rooted in love, loyalty, and family.

For over three decades, Eric shared a deep and enduring love with his wife, Tracy. Their bond was one of true partnership and devotion. Tracy was the love of his life, and their daughter Ashleigh was a whole heart, his greatest pride, his joy, and the legacy he cherished most.

Eric had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed scuba diving, scalloping, offshore fishing, catfishing, and airboating at Lake Okeechobee, Kissimmee, and in the Everglades, or simply walking with Ashleigh hand-in-hand on the beach with the salt spray on their faces or searching for shark teeth. He especially loved exploring islands and rivers or hunting from Texas to Oklahoma to his own backyard. But in the woods, in the quiet stillness of nature, he found his peace and felt most at ease. Eric truly defined what it meant to be adventurous.

He spent many years working alongside his father-in-law, Jeff Simes, in construction. Together, they built more than just structures; they built a bond rooted in respect, hard work, and pride in everything they created. It brings his family comfort to know that Eric was welcome with open arms, reunited once again with the man that loved him like his own son.

Eric is survived by his devoted wife, Tracy Frank, his beloved daughter, who was his entire world, Ashleigh Frank; his mother-in-law, Sharon Simes; In-laws, Tammy and Larry Crow, nephew Jeffrey; Misty and David Walker and nieces Lilly and Olivia (Tootsie).

His mother, Patricia Childers and Millard Childers, sister and brother-in-law Wendy and Shawn Corcoran, niece Madalyn and Josh, and nephew Ryan.

He also leaves behind a mountain of friends—far too many to mention—who know how much they meant to him. They were never just friends, but family in every sense of the word.  Eric Amboyan, his adventurous co-conspirator, his brothers Greg and Steve (Erin) Gant, "adopted parents" Donnie (Poppa) and Dona Gant, who were a constant presence in his life. They were family to him, offering love, guidance and the kind of support every child deserves. They gave him a sense of belonging that stayed with him throughout his life, stepping stones that made him the man, husband, and father he became.

Above all, Eric leaves behind a legacy of love & laughter, and a lasting imprint on the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know and love him.