Frank Marino Valli

Frank Marino Valli, 96, residing in Sandusky, passed away peacefully after a brief illness at the Parkvue Healthcare Center on Saturday, August 24, 2024.

Frank was born on August 11, 1928, in Sandusky, Ohio, the son of Marino and Josephine (Grimani) Valli. He grew up in the Little Italy neighborhood. He graduated in 1947 from Sandusky High School and in 1952 from Bowling Green State University with a BS in Business Administration. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and played offensive guard on the 1948 undefeated BGSU football team. Frank was later inducted into the first class of the Golden Falcon Club (alumni who have been graduates for 50+ years).

Following graduation, he served during the Korean Conflict as a Sergeant First Class in the 45th Infantry Division where he received a Bronze Star for his honorable service.

In 1958, he established the Frank M. Valli Agency, an insurance agency, and started a bail bond business in 1965. The Professional Bail Agents of the United States (PBUS) honored him as Agent of the Year and inducted him into their Hall of Fame (agents with 30+ years of exemplary service in the bail bond profession). He also served on the PBUS Board of Directors as the Mid-America Director. Additionally, he was a Board Member and a Regional Director for the Ohio Bail Agents Association. Frank was instrumental in passing bail legislation and was known for his experience, hard work and dedication to the bail bondsman profession. He devoted his time to informing defendants, attorneys, law enforcement officials, judges and the general public about the bail system. He was also a realtor and served as president of the Erie County Board of Realtors.

Frank served on Sandusky’s City Commission from 1996 to 2003 and held the offices of Vice Mayor and Ex-Officio Mayor. He was a lifelong public servant devoted to inspiring meaningful change in his community. While on the City Commission, he focused on restoring Sandusky’s downtown to its previous glory. Subsequently, he helped improve the quality of housing by serving as the Chairperson of Sandusky’s Housing Appeals Board from 2004 to 2021. He also served as a committee member on the Metropolitan Planning Organization (Erie County Regional Planning Commission) from 2003 to 2022 where he was involved in transportation improvement planning. Frank was among the first graduates of the Sandusky Police Academy, and was a part-time Deputy Sheriff with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office from 1984 to 2000.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, and a life member of the AMVETS Post 17, American Legion Post 83 and VFW Post 2529.

He was a citizen of the Republic of San Marino, a small country in Italy; and as such, a member of the Comunita Sammarinese di Detroit and the Comunita Sammarinese di Sandusky. Frank was a past president and life member of the former Italian-American Beneficial (IAB) Club, of which his father and grandfather were founding members.

Frank’s zest for life was embodied by his infectious smile and charismatic personality. His sociable and outgoing nature blessed him with many long friendships. A self-described people person, he loved to be around “the action.” Around the age of 25, Frank met his future wife, Wanda, at a local dance. They dated several years before marrying on July 2, 1955. Their love of dancing continued at many IAB Club events. In his spare time, he enjoyed games of chance, crossword puzzles and poring over several daily newspapers. Frank especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren who will continue to cherish his quirky catchphrases and compelling life stories.

Frank is survived by four children, Teresa (Tad) Windau of Sandusky, Thomas (Mary Beth) Valli of Lansing, Michigan, Todd (Colleen) Valli of Cincinnati and Tina (Brian) Valli Billman of Sandusky; five grandchildren, Marina, Anthony, Gian Carlo (Libby), Angelo (Hannah) and Rachele; a great grandchild, Caterina; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Wanda B. (Henry) Valli on December 16, 2017; his parents Josephine (Grimani) Valli and Marino Valli; and his brother, Joachim "Joe" Valli.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the David F Koch Funeral & Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Ave, Sandusky. Prayers will be recited at 9:30 AM Saturday, August 31 at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 510 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky. Fr. Chris Turner officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post 83 Color Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Back To The Wild, 4504 Bardshar Road, Castalia, Ohio 44824; or West Creek Conservancy, PO Box 347113, Cleveland, Ohio 44134 (please specify Pipe Creek Project).

Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Frank's family at davidfkoch.com.

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