Frank C. Rote Jr., 96 of Akron, died Friday, January 26, 2024. Frank was born July 14, 1927 in Pittsburgh, PA to LaMira and Dr. Frank C. Rote. He was the oldest surviving graduate of his high school, The Linsly School in Wheeling, WV. From there, he briefly served in the US Army, before attending college, ultimately graduating from Thiel College. After a stint in the corporate world in Pittsburgh, he pivoted to a career in law after graduating from Duquesne University Law School. Frank married his wife of 66 years, Geraldine, on April 9, 1953. He and his family relocated to Akron in 1961 where they raised their five children. Frank worked for General Tire and Rubber Company (GenCorp) ultimately rising to Chief Patent Counsel before retiring and joining the law firm of Hudak, Shunk and Farine. He was the former president of the Northeast Ohio Intellectual Property Association and the Association of Corporate Patent Counsel.
Frank, aka Bud, a man of few words, was greatly valued and sought after for his knowledge and opinions. He was an avid reader, crossword puzzle master and dispenser of wisdom at family gatherings. He was a devoted attendee at the events and performances of his children and grandchildren and a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates.
Frank is predeceased by his wife, Geraldine; and brother, (Robert) and survived by daughter, Susan (Bob); sons, Frank (Joan), Michael (Theresa), Paul (Janet) and John (Nadine); twelve grandchildren, Zachary, Nicholas, Lauren, Lexie, Emily, Joseph, Andrew, Sarah, Eric, Ellen, Matthew and Charlie; and great-grandchildren, Bode and Haven.
Information regarding a memorial service will be made available in the near future. There will not be a wake.
Memorial donations may be made to the Fairlawn-Bath Branch Library of the Akron-Summit Public Library. Please send your donations to 60 S. High Street, Akron, OH 44326
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