Christies Beach local Frank ‘T-bone’ Tabone died in October surrounded by loved ones

A procession led by Frank and his well-known yellow Monaro will celebrate the local “wag” following his shock death.

Much-loved Christies Beach local Frank 'T-bone’ Tabone and his well-known yellow Holden Monaro. Picture: Facebook

Frank “T-bone” Tabone and his yellow Holden Monaro car were quintessential “Christies Beach” with his death from a sudden heart attack this month drawing an outpouring of emotion.

A poignant sign at the beachfront in Christies Beach sums up a much-loved local who Sandbar joint-owner Tim Stewart describes as being the “essence” of the coastside community.

The boards were set up by a family member and are now covered with messages from the many locals his life touched, with bunches of colourful flowers and a bottle of Coopers sparkling beer placed nearby.

“He was Frank, he was a part of the community, it was more than just living in the community, he was Christies Beach, him and his yellow Monaro,” Mr Stewart said.

“If you asked the locals ‘have you been down to Christies Beach?’ they would say ‘yes, and I saw Frank’.”

A tribute to much-loved Christies Beach local who died of a heart attack. Picture: Supplied

A frequent visitor to the Sandbar on the Esplanade, Frank, 60, was always ready for a chat and a laugh.

Sister Natalie Pitt said he would be greatly missed by his sisters and brother, mother, nieces and nephews who “adored him”.

Ms Pitt said Frank’s funeral on Wednesday would begin with a procession from Beach Road with Frank leading the way in a hearse, and their mother Carmen travelling right behind in his beloved Monaro.

“He was known as Frankie T-bone, Frankie Monaro, his friends tell us he is an icon and legend down south,” she says.

Frank, who formerly worked at General Motors Holden Elizabeth and also as a welder with the South Australian Gas company, died from a heart attack on October 13.

He was involved with the First Taekwondo club in younger years.

“Frank was one of my first students when I began teaching our art in a professional capacity,” chief instructor John O’Brien said in a Facebook post.

“He transferred from the Master Instructor’s class to the Christies Beach Gym. Frank was an excellent student, easy to instruct, with great natural ability, flexibility and quick reflexes.

“His warmth, smile and love of a good party will always be in the memory of all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

She said Frank was surrounded by loved ones when he died and memories of her “wag” of a brother were, even now, making the family laugh.

“He was a very much loved son to Mum and Dad, he was loved by his sisters and brother and nieces and nephews, they absolutely adored him, he would make them all laugh, he loved to clown around.”

Frank Tabone. Picture: Facebook

A tribute to the much-loved Christies Beach local. Picture: Supplied

Another post from Glenys Allen said a trip to the southern suburbs meant seeing Frank’s friendly face.

“Such a good, respectful, loyal friend. I had a shop next to his house for years, he was my unpaid security guy 24/7, a great drinking partner, and always had time to chat,” she says.

Another post from Kym Wheare said “he always brought the best out in everyone he encountered.”

“A legend that will never be forgotten.”

Frank’s funeral service will be on Wednesday, October 23, at Centennial Park.

Originally published as Christies Beach local Frank ‘T-bone’ Tabone died in October surrounded by loved ones