Frank A. Mirabella's Obituary
Frank Mirabella, 75, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 7, 2026.
Frank was born in Tampa, Florida and preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Kate Frances Mirabella; his mother, Jennie Boromei Mirabella; his father, Charles Carmen Mirabella; and his sister, Charlotte Jean Gates.
Frank is survived by his wife of eight years and loving companion of 40 years, Marcia Maxwell; his daughter, Laura Mirabella Clark; his son-in-law, Ian Jeffrey Clark; his grandsons, Evan Sutton Clark and Graham Brannen Clark; his sisters, Marie (Shirley) Donnell and Debbie Straughn; his brothers, Ernie (Sandra) Mirabella and Michael (Kimberly) Mirabella; and many nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
In his youth, Frank distinguished himself as a state championship-level wrestler, demonstrating an early drive and discipline that would carry throughout his life. As a young man, following his graduation from Florida State University, he was selected by Florida Education Commissioner Ralph D. Turlington to serve as a key aide, an opportunity that launched a long and influential career in public service and policy. He went on to serve as Chief Cabinet Aide and Public Information Director for the Florida Department of Education from 1975 to 1985, where his sharp intellect and ability to communicate complex ideas made him a respected and effective leader.
In 1986, Frank took on the role of Executive Director of Excellence Campaign: an Education Lottery–EXCEL, Inc., leading efforts to establish the Florida Lottery. Though the campaign faced significant challenges, its success ultimately helped create a program that has generated more than $50 billion for public education in Florida since its inception in 1988, a legacy Frank was proud to help build.
Following his public service, Frank became one of the pioneering non-lawyer lobbyists in Tallahassee, hired by law firms for his strategic insight and deep understanding of public policy. He later founded his own firm, Mirabella, Smith & McKinnon, Inc., where he represented clients and causes that aligned with his values and passions.
Frank’s final professional endeavor reflected his lifelong commitment to service. He created a gaming company to raise funds for veterans’ organizations, particularly supporting the Disabled American Veterans. This cause was close to his heart, shaped in part by a lung injury he sustained early in his own military service.
In retirement, Frank devoted himself fully to the people and pursuits he loved most: his family, friends, and beloved pets. He cherished holidays, especially Thanksgiving, which he considered the highlight of the year. Known for insisting on contributing an impressive array of pies each year, Frank delighted in bringing people together and creating lasting traditions.
Above all, Frank’s life was marked by his ability to connect with others, his passion for meaningful work, and his unwavering devotion to his loved ones. He will be remembered as a thoughtful observer, a skilled communicator, and a man whose impact will be felt for generations.
A reception to honor and celebrate Frank’s life will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Woman’s Club of Tallahassee, located at 1513 Cristobal Drive in Tallahassee.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Disabled American Veterans, https://www.ihelpveterans.org/#
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