Francis “Frank” T. Ostrander, 84, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013.

He was born March 11, 1928, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Francis Theodore Ostrander and Bridget M. Gysky.

Frank moved to Pecks Pond, Pa. in 1936 with his parents and attended Hunters Range Elementary School and East Stroudsburg High School in East Stroudsburg, Pa. In 1945, at age 17, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After being discharged in 1946, he opened a general store in Pecks Pond, which he successfully operated for five years. He moved to Punta Gorda on Thanksgiving Day 1951. Frank was employed by Mr. Floyd Alford at the Hotel Charlotte Harbor. He remained in the hotel business for 18 years as wine steward and beverage manager alternating between The New Ocean House in Swampscott, Mass. and The Hotel Charlotte Harbor. After The Hotel Charlotte Harbor burned down he continued in the hotel business until 1969. Frank then entered the real estate business as a salesman for General Development Corp. He sold the first commercial property in Port Charlotte, Fla. to Baker Industries.

In 1969, Frank transferred to Florida Home Finders, Inc. until the company was sold. He continued to work for the new company until his retirement in 2008. One of his finest hours came when he was able to list and sell Eagles Nest, which is now where the Elks Lodge of Punta Gorda stands. He considered this a contribution to the Growth of Fellowship to the people of Punta Gorda. Frank had a successful career in the Real Estate business but also recalls with fondness the days in the hotel industry. While working in Swampscott, Mass. he had the pleasure of meeting famous celebrities, artists, and politicians. His meeting Eleanor Roosevelt was a shining hour for him, he said she was the most gracious lady he had ever met.

Frank was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge in Punta Gorda and the American Legion Post 110 in Port Charlotte. He was also a longtime member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda.

Frank is survived by 13 nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, John, Joe, Eddie, and Theodore; and a sister, Katherine.

The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. till 4 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, at the Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral, 635 E Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 211 W Charlotte Avenue, Punta Gorda. Burial with military honors to follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Please visit kays-ponger.com to leave the family condolences and to sign the online guestbook.

Arrangements are by Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home.