Fran (Rodman Francis) Tatnall, 80, of Tryon, passed away at home on Saturday, May 28, 2016. He was predeceased by his parents, Rodman Richardson and Sara Taylor Tatnall, and a brother, Peter B. Tatnall. He is survived by his wife Donna, sister Sally Endress (Skip) of Hamburg, NY, children Gregory Tatnall and Amy Tatnall of Cleveland, Ohio, Dorothy Tatnall of Tryon, NC, Michael Tatnall of Norcross, GA, and Brendan Rose (Kristen) of Twinsburg, OH., 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was a graduate of Kenmore HS in Buffalo, NY and Alfred University, where he earned a BA in Ceramic Engineering and was a member of Keramos Ceramic Honorary Fraternity and Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Highlights of his career included 7 years as editor of Ceramic Age magazine and 30 years at Zircoa, Inc. in Solon, Ohio, from which he retired in 1999. After moving to Tryon, Fran continued to pursue his mission in life, which was simply to be useful. He gave his time and talents to the board of Polk Vocational Services, Habitat for Humanity, Rotary, St. Luke's Hospital Print Shop, Foothills Social Network, and Thermal Belt Friendship Council, and to his friends and neighbors. Memorials may be made to Friendship Council Scholarship Fund, PO box 414, Lynn, NC 28750.
A Gathering in Remembrance will be held in Tryon at Sunnydale, 334 South Trade Street, on Saturday, July 2, at 2 pm.