“As we prepare to usher in the unofficial start of summer with backyard barbecues, boating, and fireworks, I ask the community to join the CFK Family to reflect on why this day is important. Memorial Day is a time to honor the memories of those who died for our country. It is a time for heroes, both those who have fallen and those who are still living. We thank our military, as well as law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, and other first responders for working tirelessly to protect American lives.

CFK is grateful to all service men and women and their families for their commitment and sacrifices, and for their continued service to protect our lives and our freedom. Over the years, the College has benefitted from the contributions of many veterans. Each one deserves special recognition. This Memorial Day, I salute the late local legend “Mister Frank” Toppino— the former president of Charley Toppino and Sons, former member of the College’s Board of Trustees, and Chair Emeritus of the CFK Foundation, among many other titles. But before Frank became an integral member of the CFK Family and Keys’ community, he served in the United States Army Air Corps for four years during World War II. Although he wanted to be a pilot, he fondly recalled his time as a Technical Sergeant stationed in Kunming, China.

He deployed with 13,000 other military members, unknowing of their destination, on a ship that routed through Australia and India before arriving in China. Frank supervised a team of six people that worked on radio communications and data collection in an area that included two weather stations in Tibet and Siberia. If it were not for his family business responsibilities at home in Key West, Frank says that he would have continued his military service beyond the conclusion of the war. Since then, Frank contributed to society in many other ways, particularly through his service at the College as well as the Military Affairs Committee of Key West, Key West Chamber of Commerce, the Housing Authority of Key West, Florida Transportation Builders Association, and the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter. 

In 1980, Frank was appointed to the College’s Board of Trustees and served for nearly a decade including two stints as the chair. Approximately half-way through his tenure on the College’s governing board, he followed in the footsteps of his brother Philip and joined the CFK Foundation Board of Directors. As the College’s direct-support organization, the CFK Foundation cultivates funds for student scholarships and programs. Frank served as the Chair of the CFK Foundation multiple times. In recognition of decades of dedicated leadership as well as financial contributions to support student success, Frank was presented the first and only “FKCC Legacy Award” in 2011 and was named Chair Emeritus of the CFK Foundation in 2014, upon his retirement from the board.  

He will be remembered for his friendship, generosity, and unwavering support for education and workforce development in the Keys. On behalf of the CFK Family, I salute U.S. Army Air Corps Sergeant Frank Toppino this Memorial Day. We will continue to value his contributions and dedication to our country and community. His service is an inspiration to all.”