Frank Ceresi

[ElCabron]

Anyone who knows Frank Ceresi knows he is one of the truly great human beings in the hobby. Sadly, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year and has recently taken a turn for the worst. He was moved into hospice on Monday and has only a few days left. I am flying out to say goodbye in a few hours. If any of you know him and have any message you would like me to tell him, please let me know. There is a good chance he will not be conscious, but I will still tell him anything you would like to say and let him know it's from you. I really love this guy and it is a major loss to see him go. If I had time I could go on and on about him and what he means to me personally, as well as everything he has contributed to the hobby.

-Ryan

[Brian Van Horn]

Although I do not know Frank, I wish him the best.

[Josh Wolf]

Very sad news Ryan. Sincerest condolences to you, Frank and his family. I didn't know Frank personally either but would love to hear your stories about him when the time is right. For now, just be well and hang in there.

Josh

[the 'stache]

Ryan, I don't know Frank, but I hope that both you as his friend, and his family, find peace in this very difficult time.

I'm with Josh. When you feel the time is right to share some of your recollections, please do so. I'd love to read them.

[barrysloate]

I consider Frank a friend and heard about his illness a few months ago. I did not know that he was as sick as he is. We had many dealings over the years and shared some great stories. Ryan, if there is any way you can send him my very best wishes, please do so. He was a really good person and this is such troubling news. Thank you.

[Rich Klein]

Passed from pancreatic cancer, it is brutal, if is usually fast and usually there is no remission. Frank, may your final days be as peaceful as possible with friends and family

Rich

[npa589]

Originally Posted by NoizeBringer

I really love this guy and it is a major loss to see him go. If I had time I could go on and on about him and what he means to me personally, as well as everything he has contributed to the hobby.

-Ryan

Ryan:

Thank you for sharing, and though I don't know this man, I greatly appreciate your love for him as a friend, and I look forward to hearing about the exemplary life this man led. For now, travel safely, and cherish these last moments. Frank and his family will be in my prayers.

Nate

[Leon]

I am sorry to hear this Ryan. May he be comfortable and at peace.
Will say a prayer....

[ethicsprof]

I am sad to hear this.
Do know that my prayers are with you, Frank, and his family and friends---
in this moment and continuing.

Take care.
Barry

[chris6net]

Very sad. My prayers are with you Frank

[Howard W. Rosenberg]

I had the distinct pleasure of having Frank visit my apartment in December 2011 to look at my limited collection of Cap Anson memorabilia from Barry Halper, trade stories about baseball history, and for him to pick up two sets of my books on Anson (about 10 years ago, Barry mailed me some of Anson's original typed correspondence or receipts, albeit with a rubber stamp signature, and I gladly sold them to Frank for nominal amounts, and he gave me a very good tip on how to eventually dispose of my baseball card collection, Topps 1953-1977 -- some good acquaintance of him whose name I don't have but who no doubt I can figure out at a later date -- who passes through D.C. once or twice a year and who used to work for some big auction house) and who, believe it or not, Frank offered to host in his house for a night if was of help to having that person meet with me for some extended time.

And so, I can attest to Frank being a person of generous spirit, on this sad occasion.

[oaks1912]

Ryan..Thanks for posting this. I've known Frank for about 20 years and have always considered him a friend in addition to being a client. He showed a true passion for the hobby and for doing things the right way. When he left the bench to oversee operations at the MCI Sports Gallery, many might have thought he was nuts. But he was simply spending his time in a way he most enjoyed. Frank and I had our best visit in 2010, and one of the things I'll never forget is how he arranged for a special pass to be able to drive into Arlington Cemetery so that I could pay respects to our mutual friend, Joe Pelaez, who had passed away a few months earlier. In this post-911 world, where everything is complicated, Frank simplified the process for me.I knew that he was having health issues, but he did not elaborate on the severity. Its always tough to see good people pass, but he will not be forgotten, at least by me.

[Hankphenom]

Frank and I were very close, living just a few miles from each other and having done numerous things within and without the hobby over almost 20 years. This is devastatingly sad, especially so as Frank had only recently met and married the love of his life, Barbara. He has two wonderful children, Nicki and Dan, and they and the numerous friends he will leave behind are his greatest legacy.

[Vintageclout]

Ryan,

Hi, its Joe Tomasulo and I want to thank you for the update on Frank's condition. I knew he was going for testing over the past 6 - 12 months but could never really get any information as to the results of his medical condition. I've known Frank approximately 6/7 years and he was always the consummate professional in brokering many major memorabilia deals for me. He loved talking about both the hobby and baseball in general, and if possible, let him know my most sincere prayers are with him and his family. Joe

[benjulmag]

I'm really sorry to hear this. Frank and I had a lengthy conversation about a month ago, and he had a lot of hope about his chances for recovery. I've known him for over 20 years and would not be exaggerating by describing him as one of the really good guys in this hobby. He is a gentleman in every sense of the word, and is a beacon of honesty and integrity. Please tell him my thoughts and prayers are with him.

[oldjudge]

Ryan--I didn't know Frank but I wish him peace, and maybe a miracle.

[sforaker]

I got to know Frank only over the past year, but I immediately recognized in Frank the same traits so well described by Corey. He made a very favorable impression and I consider myself fortunate to have made the connection. My thoughts and prayers to Frank and his family.

Scott Foraker

[Spahn21]

“To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
And endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better,
Whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
Or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.” (Emerson)

This was too quick, and is too sad. :-(

--Kevin Keating

[frank5k]

spoke to frank a couple of weeks ago , still was in good spirits , wanted some information on a joe Jackson bat, did many deals, one of the best and humble human beings on the planet ,proud to be his friend , thank you , frank foremny

[ElCabron]

So, here is an update. I apologize for not going into greater detail but I still haven't slept since I found out how dire the situation was yesterday.

I spent 5 or 6 hours with Frank today. It is really awful. If you knew Frank previously you would not recognize him now. He is in a lot of pain. He was in and out of consciousness for the first hour or two I was there. I was able to hold his hand and tell him that I love him and thank him for his friendship and everything he meant to me and my children. Shorter after that, stronger pain meds kicked in and he was not conscious at any point for the next 4 or 5 hours. I fear he may not regain consciousness again.

I am going back in the morning and I am going to relay each individual message anyone has posted here or messaged me privately about, regardless if he is awake. I will probably print out this thread before I go over in the morning, so you can continue to post messages here, or send them to me privately if you prefer.

There's a lot more I'd like to say right now but I simply don't have the energy. Thank you for all your kind words about Frank. He is one of the best men I have ever known.

Please direct any thoughts or prayers to Frank and his family, and not me. I will be fine. Frank, his wife, his kids, and many others who love him are the ones that need it.

-Ryan

[Hankphenom]

How terrible. I hope he goes peacefully without any more pain.

[Kenny Cole]

Ryan,

I didn't know Frank. But I know and respect you so you have my deepest sympathies. Watching a friend go is an awful thing. Please tell him that my prayers are with he and his family and that I hope his passage takes him to a peaceful, happy place where there is no pain. Best,

Kenny

[drcy]

Best thoughts to Frank, who I don't know. Ryan, you're a credit to the force.

[t213]

I've probably known Frank about 15 years or so, chatted with him many times about cards and baseball history at the local shows in Northern Virginia. A super guy.

Andy

[Tom Hufford]

Frank and I spent a lot of time working on a project together in early 2013, but I hadn't talked with him in several months. I'm sorry to say I had no idea about his illness - he never mentioned anything.

My thoughts and prayers go out for Frank, his family and friends. All of us who know Frank are better for it.