It is with heavy hearts that the family of Francis Joseph Vokoun III announce his sudden passing at the age of 59 on October 11, 2025.

Francis Joseph Vokoun III, known affectionately by his loved ones as Frank, Franz, or Frankie, was born to Gretchen and Frank Vokoun on September 29, 1966 in Lakewood, Ohio. He graduated from Rocky River High School in 1985 before continuing on to Muskingum University, where he met classmates that would remain dear friends up until his passing, including his closest friend and brother-in-law Brad Ellenberger.

Frank held a true love for learning throughout his life, which was reflected in his many passions and the vast library of knowledge that he carried with him. After leaving Muskingum University, he graduated from DeVry University with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science where he learned to build and program computers and fostered photography skills. Frank was an absolute computer whiz, but his true passion was marine biology. He had a deep love for the natural world, and specifically the ocean, preferring to spend his time scuba diving, studying sharks, fishing, and photographing marine life.

After graduating from college, Frank moved to Escazu, Costa Rica where he launched Exotica of Central America SA. Exotica’s primary mission was the breeding and exportation of tropical fish, but later expanded to designing aquariums. After several years in business, Frank closed Exotica and moved to the coast where he could more readily pursue his true love, scuba diving. As a Dive Master, he was passionate about spreading the gospel of the sea by helping others who were just learning to scuba dive to feel safe and comfortable under the water. Frank spent the last years of his life dividing his time between his family home in Clayton, North Carolina and El Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Frank was preceded in death by his father, Francis J. Vokoun, Jr. Frank will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Gretchen (Byron) Hull of Clayton; his sister, Holly (Brad) Ellenberger of Clayton; and his nieces, Allison and Meghan Ellenberger; alongside a host of extended family and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615. A celebration of Frank’s life will be arranged at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to the North Carolina Coastal Federation, https://www.nccoast.org.

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Cousteau