Ушел из жизни выдающийся пластический хирург Фрэнк Туз, прослуживший в ВМФ США во время Второй мировой войны

Trending Frank Tooze passed away on February 25, 2026, due to heart complications at the Gaia Remedy residence in Evergreen, Colorado. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1925, he filled a century living each day to the fullest. At the age of 19, Frank married Jeanne Gallaher, the love of his life. Together, they celebrated seventy years of marriage and had four children: Steven E. Tooze, MD, Rev. Cathryn T. Surgenor, Sherry Riemsdyk Van Eldik, and Kimberly D. Tooze. Frank was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jeanne, and daughter, Sherry Ann. He cherished his family deeply and credited his supportive home life for much of his happiness. He believed strongly in the importance of education, often saying, "Education is essential for you to get along in this world." Growing up on a farm near Falconer, NY during the Great Depression, Tooze milked cows before walking to school. He met "Jeannie" in the sixth grade. During high school he participated in music, theatre, track and field and ROTC. He joined the navy at age 17 and was commissioned as an ensign at 19. He and Jeanne were married the same day. He served as a navigator aboard the U.S.S. Biscayne in the Pacific Theatre of Operations during World War II, from 1944 to 1946, seeing action at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Upon returning to the States, he completed college and the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and served as a General Practitioner in the village of Westfield, NY. He returned to the University of Rochester Medical School to train in Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery. He served as an Associate Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He was the first board-certified plastic surgeon in Erie, PA where he founded and served as Chief of the Plastic Surgery department at Hamot Hospital, as well as Chief at St. Vincent's Hospital. Dr. Tooze also became president of several regional plastic surgery societies and was a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, serving as chair of its Ethics Committee. He retired in 1988 after a distinguished career and credited his experience as a small-town doctor for his ability to listen and relate to people. Frank was quoted as saying, "I still think medicine is the greatest profession." Frank loved fly fishing, tying flies, sailing, skiing and supporting his children's interest in horses. He was instrumental in reconstructing the War of 1812 naval vessel The Niagara and loved to reenact the role of Usher Parsons who served as the ship surgeon aboard that flagship. He planted two thousand trees as a member of 4-H and more later on his beloved Lake Erie property, reflecting his deep appreciation for nature. He was involved in the Plant a Tree Foundation and inspired others with his commitment to conservation. Upon retirement he and Jeanne spent many years in River Ranch, FL before moving to Helena, MT and then Salida, CO. Frank admired figures such as Samuel Clemens, Norman Rockwell, Winston Churchill, and Ernie Pyle (who chronicled World War II). He often referenced James Russell Lowell's poem, "What is so rare as a day in June," and valued the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln: "Look Back with Gratitude and Ahead with Hope." Frank Tooze's legacy is one of service, dedication, and love for family, community, and nature. His life was marked by his ability to listen, his commitment to education, and his belief in the value of medicine and compassion. He is survived by three of his children, five grandchildren, and seven grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved and encouraged. A memorial service is planned for 10:00 a.m. Sunday, September 13 at the Erie Maritime Museum, Erie, PA in celebration of his life and his commitment to the community. The memorial service will be held dockside at the Niagara.