Frank J. Rouse

Bartow, FL - Frank J. Rouse, 78, passed away Monday, July 23, 2018 at Bartow Regional Medical Center. Frank was born June 14, 1940 in Caltagirone, Sicily in Italy as Salvatore Aliotta. He served as an altar boy with Father Francesco Sinatra. He came to the United States in 1950 with his Mother, Teresa Gerbino. He was adopted by C.P. Rouse in 1951 and became a US citizen in 1954. Frank played football in high school and graduated from Bartow Summerlin Institute class of 1959. In 1963 he earned his B.A. Degree in Political Science from the University of Florida. Then earned his Law Degree in 1967 from Stetson Law and practiced law in Bartow for 50 years. Frank served in the US Army as a Captain and J.A.G. (Judge Advocate General). He served during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968, where he received numerous accolades. While practicing law in Bartow, he became involved in organizing the Bartow Fourth of July celebrations and was proclaimed Mr. Fourth of July in 1982. He partnered on organizing the July 4th Celebration for 38 years. He was the spokesman for the Polk County committee for the Florida executive committee for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty. He also chaired the committee for the Statue of Liberty replica near the Bartow Library. Frank served in many prominent roles, including Assistant County Solicitor, Assistant State Attorney, Municipal Judge and City Attorney for Ft. Meade and the Directory of Florida Sheriff’s Girls Villa Executive Committee. Frank was an avid golfer for 50 years and was proud for winning a parking spot at Bartow Golf course for a year. Frank also enjoyed fishing on the river and spending time with his loving family. He was preceded in death by his father; C.P. Rouse. He is survived by his three daughters; Kim Blackwelder, Stephanie Ewalt (husband Dan) and Francesca Rouse, mother; Teresa Rouse, companion; Glenda Prough, sister; Nancy Carey, three granddaughters; Lindsay, Jenna and Cassandra Blackwelder, one niece and nephew. Family will receive friends Friday, July 27, 2018 from 5 to 7:00 pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow, FL. Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 28, 2018, at 10:00 am at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow, FL. In lieu of flowers make donations to charity of choice. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com