|
Dec 25, 1941 — Jun 16, 2025
Tom Frankel passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, in his Davis home of 57 years, surrounded by family and close friends. He was 83. Born on Dec. 25, 1941, in Pomona to Sanford and Violet Frankel, Tom brought love and generosity into the world. He was raised in a hardworking family that owned the Treasure Chest barbecue roadhouse and later a small chain of hamburger restaurants in the Claremont area.
From a young age, Tom could be found behind the counter, learning the value of effort, community and good food. These skills that would later show up in both his career and his back yard, especially during his legendary whole-turkey Thanksgiving barbecues.
Tom was an avid swimmer and competitor in his youth, a passion that foreshadowed the determined, focused and steady person he would become. He attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he met his future wife, Barbara Wald, through her brother and Tom's fraternity brother, Mike Wald. They married in 1961 and began building a life rooted in community, family and justice.
After law school at UC Berkeley, Tom and Barbara settled in Davis, where they raised their three children, David, Loren and Valerie, and built a home that would become a cornerstone for extended family and friends alike. Tom’s legal career was never just a profession, it was a calling. As an attorney, he championed the underserved, representing migrant farm workers through the Legal Aid Society, defending anti-war protesters, and representing the Associated Students of UC Davis in their power struggle with the UC Regents. He practiced family law and mediation for many years, ably and fairly representing his clients. He lent his wisdom to help shape California's early family law legislation for gay and lesbian families.
As president of the board of YoloCares (formerly Yolo Hospice) during a period of transformational growth, he shepherded the organization through a major expansion and the acquisition of its current facility, work that reflected his deep compassion and unwavering belief in dignity at all stages of life. As a multi-term president of the Spring Creek Tract Homeowners Association, Tom tackled complex infrastructure and environmental issues with thoughtful leadership and integrity. Tom served as a trustee at the Explorit Science Center and co-founded the local chapter of the Yolo Compassionate Friends.
In recognition of his service, the city of Davis honored him with the "Mediation" sculpture in Central Park, a public art piece that symbolizes his commitment to the community. He was named Citizen of the Year in 1984. Tom was also instrumental in the establishment and growth of Congregation Bet Haverim in Davis, where he served as board president. The Jewish values of community, justice and kindness were at the heart of all he did.
Though deeply committed to public service, Tom was, above all, a family man. He was a devoted father and an extraordinary grandfather known as “Papa” who had a unique gift for connecting with children. He built Lego worlds, climbed Mount Tallac, (and many other mountains), skied the Sierra slopes, and swam in the cold, clear waters of Lake Tahoe with his grandchildren. His cabin near Lake Tahoe was a gathering place for all generations. That space continues to echo with his spirit.
Tom loved to garden, and was particularly skilled in growing fruit trees, with more than 80 trees in his yard, with many varieties including figs, multiple varieties of citrus and goji. He was a member of the Rare Fruit Growers Association. He swam with the Davis Aquatic Masters for many years, obtaining peace and serenity from his time swimming.
Tom faced life’s sorrows with courage and grace. He endured the heartbreaking loss of his son, Loren, in 2004, and his beloved Barbara in 2010. In both cases, he transformed grief into action, becoming a hospice volunteer and establishing a memorial in Arroyo Park for Loren, and creating the Barbara Frankel Library at YoloCares to honor his late wife.
In 2013, Tom found love again, marrying Varda Topkis. Together, they built a second chapter filled with joy, companionship and exploration. Tom embraced Varda’s family with open arms, becoming a beloved grandfather figure to her five grandchildren, traveling the world by her side, and blending their communities in a way only Tom could with warmth, curiosity, and love.
Despite health challenges in recent years, Tom remained a vibrant presence in his family's life, even attending the wedding of his grandson, Noah, to Nina Krishel in 2024, a moment that brought him immense pride and happiness.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Varda Topkis; children David Frankel (Sharon Tyson) and Valerie Frankel (Scott Gallucci); grandchildren Aaron and Nathan Frankel, and Noah (Nina Krishel), Abby and Simon Fischer; his brother Richard Frankel (Jean Frankel); Varda’s son Adam Topkis (Dahlia), their children, Elise and Caroline; Varda’s daughter Naomi Secore, and her children Nathan, Daniella and Jacob. Tom is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Loren Frankel; his first wife, Barbara Wald Frankel; and his brother, Peter Frankel.
Tom is also survived by the beauty and nature surrounding his cabin at Tahoe.
A memorial service will be held at Congregation Bet Haverim on Sunday, June 22, at 1 p.m. The family requests that donations in Tom’s memory be made to YoloCares, a hospice organization that meant so much to him.
|
