Frank Bova

Frank Anthony Bova, 73, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, November 6, 2021. He was born October 7, 1948, in Buffalo, New York, the son of Murphy and Josephine (Manuele) Bova.

He attended schools in Buffalo and graduated from Hutch Tech High School in 1966. He went on to attend Kansas State University where he earned his bachelor's degree in political science in 1970. While attending K-State, Frank met Janet Wolfe on Valentine's Day. They married July 9, 1971, in Bonner Springs, Kansas, and then made their home in Topeka where they raised their two daughters, Kristen and Lauren.

Frank started his career in April 1975 with the Third Judicial District of Kansas Court Services. He retired as the Assistant Director (Adult Services) in September 2006. There, he made many friends and continued those relationships throughout retirement.

An avid sports fan, Frank loved the Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees, and the Kansas City Royals, but above all, his Kansas State Wildcats. He and his wife have held K-State football season tickets since 1988. They also held season tickets for many years to men's and women's basketball, baseball, and volleyball. Additionally, he was a proud member of the KSU Alumni Association, Ahearn Fund, and both the Topeka and Manhattan Catbackers.

During retirement, Frank rediscovered his passion for painting. Many of his pieces were inspired by his eclectic taste in music. He also found time to travel. He was very proud of his Italian heritage, which led to several vacations abroad, including two trips to Italy and a European river cruise. Other trips included several K-State road games, tournaments, and countless bowl games. Hobbies included antiquing and collecting a variety of memorabilia.

Frank was funny, smart, loving, stubborn, witty, and was often the life of the party. He kept in contact with friends from his childhood, his years at K-State, and beyond. He loved his family, his Maltese Moxie, and his role as "Grumpy Pa" to his two grandsons.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Teresa Heit. He is survived by Janet, his loving wife of over fifty years. He is also survived by his daughter, Kristen, and her husband Kevin Dayo, and their two sons, Dominic and Vincent, Topeka; daughter Lauren and her partner Lindsay Buck (and her children, Alexis and Devon), Lawrence; his two brothers, Anthony Bova, Buffalo, New York, and Jason Bova, San Diego, California, and many other cherished family members.

According to his wishes, Frank has been cremated. His Celebration of Life will be December 4, 2021, at Happy Basset Barrel House (510 SW 49th St, Topeka) at noon. Masks are strongly encouraged for those who are unvaccinated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Discovery Center, Capper Foundation, Autism Speaks, the ALS Association, Johnson Cancer Research Center - Kansas State University, or St. Jude's Hospital. All places and causes Frank was passionate about.

To leave a message for his family online, visit the guestbook below.

The funeral home does not own rights to the music in the Memorial Video.