Farewell Frank: Hundreds gather to say goodbye to “T-Bone”

Frank “T-Bone” Tabone had one final ride with his Monaro on Wednesday, with hundreds gathering to say goodbye to their “magnetic” friend.

Frank 'T-Bone" Tabone - 19/07/1964 - 13/10/2024. Picture: Facebook

Hundreds gathered at Centennial Park’s Heysen chapel to say goodbye to southern suburbs legend, Frank “T-bone” Tabone.

The celebration of life began with one final drive along Frank’s beloved Christies Beach esplanade, passing by his and his mother’s home.

His bright yellow iconic Monaro followed close behind.

Procession of cars on the Esplanade in Christies Beach for local identity Frank Tabone who passed away on October 13. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe

At the service, friends, family and admirers packed into the chapel with some forced to have to tune into the livestream in the entrance hall due to lack of space.

One only need to look at the volume of people in attendance to know that Frank, who passed from a heart attack on October 13 at 60-years of age, loved others freely and was adored by many.

Frank’s brother-in-law, David Pitt, gave the eulogy and spoke of a man who was “loved by everyone”.

He recounted Frank’s journey through life which started with him nearly being born in the lift of the hospital, commenting that from the beginning he had an “eagerness to get into the world.”

Mr Pitt spoke of how Frank lived “the life of reilly”, with constant support from his sister, Natalie who was his “mobile hairdresser” and mother, Carmen who provided him with freshly washed clothes and home cooked meals all his life.

“Everybody loved you and we loved you very much,” Mr Pitt said.

Tributes on the Esplanade in Christies Beach for local identity Frank Tabone who passed on October 13. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe

Frank loved his cars and his Monaro was his pride and joy.

“T-bone” was also a passionate southern suburbs resident who rarely left the region, with drives from Moana to Morphett Vale and back being his favourite route.

Frank’s cousin, Sean Monsigneur also shared memories of Frank who he said was “21 at heart”.

He recalled how his cousin would only drive his Monaro in first gear down the esplanade as he knew that was when it was at its loudest and would attract the most attention, particularly from females.

Close mate Louis Shantez, who met Frank 40 years ago during their twenties in a Hindley Street nightclub, remembered his friend’s love of music, particularly Blondie and Fleetwood Mac.

As he said his final goodbye, Mr Shantez compared Frank to a “magnet”, paying homage to his ability to light up a room.

Frank Tabone funeral program. Supplied

Frank’s younger sister, Liz Russo completed the tributes saying that her big brother may have been short in stature but had the biggest heart and a personality.

She reflected on their shared love of taekwondo and Frank’s constant commentary during any martial arts movement.

Frank, who was involved with the First taekwondo club in his younger years, only made it to pre-black belt due to a car accident.

In an emotional ending to her reflections, Ms Russo laid her own black belt on Frank’s coffin, saying that he deserved it.

Tears flowed as images of Frank’s life were projected on screens around the chapel as Frank Sinatra’s ‘I Did It My Way’ played over speakers – a fitting musical tribute to a man who truly walked to the beat of his own drum.