Frank Coto, 85, of Tampa Florida passed away peacefully on April 30, 2023 with his sons Frank Coto III and Frank Coto Jr, as well as his wife, Bonnie Coto and one of his oldest friends Nestor Ramirez, standing by his bedside, holding his hands. Frank was one of the strongest men and Marines that ever lived. He beat cancer, not once, but twice, but eventually succumbed to the effects of the tumors in his lungs. He asked to come home and be with his family and end the suffering, and his wish was granted. His passing, was as peaceful as anyone could ask for. He never once complained about the pain or discomfort, and never shed a single tear in front of us.

Frank was born in Tampa Florida on October 25, 1937 to Frank J Coto and Antonia Coto. Frank proudly served his country as a US Marine from 1956 until 1963. He always made a point to tell us that he is not a retired Marine, he is always a Marine!  He was a true American hero, with a distinguished military career that included a covert operation during the Bay of Pigs invasion, that resulted in him receiving a Purple Heart and the Silver Star, our nations third highest military honor. After his military career Frank worked as an agent for the Florida alcohol and tobacco department from 1965 until 1968. He was an undercover agent making drug purchases from key drug dealers across the state. He also was responsible for breaking up moonshine stills across the state of Florida. From 1969 until 1971. He was employed as an insurance investigator with a retail credit company now known as Equifax. From 1971 through his eventual retirement around 2015 he was a private detective. He founded Frank Coto detective agency later known as the FCDA. He eventually held the record for the longest standing private detective agency in the state of Florida. Frank always cared for his fellow Marine. Between 2003 and 2011, he joined the Marine Corps league and supported his fellow Marines, both active and retired at any time he could.

Frank was an avid hunter, although he was not credited with many or even any kills, his friends would always joke that he was more of a nature conservationist and just liked looking at the animals instead of killing them. Thankfully, he was good enough to teach his son, Frank Coto Jr and Frank Coto III to hunt more successfully. The hunting tradition continues with his grandchildren as he was present in the blind when Landon killed his first deer. Throughout his career, he helped numerous families with pro bono detective work and always was ready to help any veteran that he met.

Frank leaves us with a heroic legacy that many will never understand. He instilled his values and his care for others into his sons, daughters and grandchildren, as well as great grandchildren. One of his most admirable traits was his contagious positive attitude. It did not matter what was happening in his life. He was always able to make someone smile, even up until the last few days of his life. He always had inside jokes with his friends and family. Frank's jovial attitude and big smile will never be forgotten by anyone who ever knew him.

Frank is survived by wife Bonnie. Children Frank Jr (Anita), Frank III (Nicole), Christopher, Donna Reed (Marty), Lara Duncan (Craig), step children Megan Starr (Eddie), Jordana Frenck.  Grandchildren Justin Coto (Ashley), Chelsea Coto (Aaron), Landon Coto, Lilliana Coto, Marty Reed, Matt Reed, Connor Duncan, Collin Duncan, Briella Young, Autumn Pici and Kiersten Suszco.  Great grandchildren Kinsley, Rowen and Sloan Coto.

Preceded in death by step children Adam and Nathan Young.

Pallbearers Frank Coto Jr, Frank Coto III, Christopher Coto, Justin Coto, Landon Coto, Nester Ramirez, Richard Cipriano

All friends and family are welcome to attend.  A celebration of life will be held at Cali Viejo restaurant afterward.

Address: 436 E Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL  33511