I saw a social media post on Tuesday by Knox County Sheriff’s Office that hit home to me: Frank Scimonelli passed away.
The post read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of our most dedicated Reserve Officers, Frank Scimonelli. Frank loved his work at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and everyone loved him! He can affectionately be referred to as the legend – Frank also served with other agencies in many different roles, all of which made our community a better place. Earlier this year, Frank was celebrated for his 27th year as a reserve volunteer. Officer Scimonelli fought a hard fight to beat cancer over the last two and a half years; in the end, he still won the battle.”
The post mentioned the many other roles? One of those was assistant principal at Spring Hill Middle School in the 1980s when this young teacher was teaching computer science on Laser2e computers and barely could turn them on.
He loved kids and loved his job but left the profession, opened a flower shop in Powell, and I got to see him often leaving G-10 parking as he ushered cars out after gameday. Always the friendly, ole Frank, never changing his demeanor, no matter the circumstance.
As the KCSO post said, “Frank will be missed dearly by all who loved him. In the coming days, please remember his family, both blood and blue.”
Photos and information from KCSO website.
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