Frank Michael Aita
1957-2012


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Frank Michael Aita

January 01, 1957 - November 17, 2012

Frank Michael Aita, 55, husband of Karen Young Aita, and a resident of Belle Haven, passed away Saturday, November 17, 2012, at his home. Born in Wiesbaden, Germany, he was the son of Lieselotte Steigenberger Aita and Dominic Aita of Germany. A graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, Frank was a school teacher for Northampton County Public Schools for 12 years and a history teacher at Nandua High School for over 3 years. He was also a local artist. In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his stepson, Tye Willis Burns, of Belle Haven, VA; his brother, Martin Aita, and sister-in-law, Kim Aita, of Fair Lawn, NJ; his brother, Stephen Aita, of Munich, Germany; his sister Daniele Bennett and niece, Scarlett Bennett, of Iffeldorf, Germany; his father and mother-in-law, George and Rose Young of Exmore, VA; his sister and brother-in-law, Sally and Bruce Richardson and niece, Elizabeth Richardson, of Capeville, VA; his sister-in-law, Suzanne Conrow and niece Whitney Conrow, of Exmore, VA; his aunt, Ruth Cicotasto, of Philadelphia, PA; his cousins and close friends. A graveside service will be held Sunday, November 25, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Belle Haven Cemetery with Rev. Tammy Estep and Rev. Jeff Conrow officiating. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to donate a book (or funds for a book) to the Northampton Free Library, c/o Carol Vincent, P.O. Box 360, Accomac, VA 23301 in memory of Frank. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Doughty Funeral Home, Exmore, Virginia.

  • Tom Rogers wrote on May. 24, 2014
    Mrs. Aita and family, I knew Frank from out time at the U of Maryland in the early 1980s. We worked together at the Hoff Theater for three years and were in regular contact until the late 1980s when our lives took us in different directions. While I hadn't seen Frank in over 20 years, he was never far from my mind as he was one of the kindest and funniest people I have ever known. When one of our mutual friends told me that he had passed I could not believe it, and it has taken me this long to be able to let you know how much he meant to me. Frank was a big part of a very important time in my life, and he was a true and cherished friend. Please accept my belated condolences for your loss. He was a terrific guy and I will miss him.
  • Jeff Akers from boerne texas, wrote on Feb. 17, 2013
    My sincere condolences Karen. I went to high school with Frank in Wiesbaden, and we became very good friends while at Uof M in Munich. He was a great person who lit up any room he entered. My thought and prayers are with his family and friends he left behind.
  • janis woods farr from hilton head sounth carolina, wrote on Dec. 13, 2012
    Rest in Peace my dear Friend. I will never forget you. Wir sehen uns bestimmt nochmal!! your good friend Janis
  • Becky Nock Johnson from accomac va, wrote on Nov. 26, 2012
    Karen and Tye, Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. With love and sympathy, TJ and Becky Johnson
  • Gail Lee from exmore va, wrote on Nov. 26, 2012
    Dear Karen. My Thoughts and prayers are with you, Tye and your family. So many memories of Frank float through my mind. The last two years I taught at Nandua, we had the same planning period - sharing stories while eating popcorn and yes grading papers. Frank will be great missed by all,
  • Marji and Phil Mccaleb from belle haven va, wrote on Nov. 26, 2012
    Hello Karen- Phil and I were so sorry to hear about Frank 's passing. He was such a blessing to us when he rented our cottage down Craddockneck. His sense of humor and his dog Mattie (sp?) were priceless. We will always remember him as a very generous and giving person in our lives. love, Marji and Phil
  • Rhonda Killmon from arlington va, wrote on Nov. 25, 2012
    Karen, Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that I get to visit with you soon. Take care, Rhonda Killmon
  • Kelly Miller from kathleen ga, wrote on Nov. 25, 2012
    So sorry to hear about Frank's passing. Doug and I knew Frank in Munich and again at the UM College Park. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Doug and Kelly Miller
  • Ron and Faye West from machipongo va, wrote on Nov. 24, 2012
    Karen and Tye, Faye and I are in North Carolina and just heard about Frank's passing. We are truly sorry about your loss. While we will not be back on the Shore in time for his service, know that we feel for you.
  • robert ziker from warrington pa 18976, wrote on Nov. 24, 2012
    I'm very sorry to hear of Franks passing, my condolences goes out to his family. We were classmates a General H H Arnold High School class of 75. The last time i saw Frank was at a reunion in Las Vegas.
  • Lillie and Buddy Parker from cape charles virginia, wrote on Nov. 24, 2012
    Karen and Tye, We were very sorry to hear about Frank...He was a great teacher and will be missed by many.
  • Sandra Wennergren from oyster, wrote on Nov. 24, 2012
    My greatest sympathies to family and friends and my prayers for God's grace and comfort to be with you in the days to come.
  • Lynne Talbot Kariker from bentonville arkansas, wrote on Nov. 24, 2012
    Frank Aita--a legend in his own time...loved and fondly remembered by his high school classmates, including me. So very sorry for your loss. Lynne
  • Patty and Dan Johannes from bowie md, wrote on Nov. 24, 2012
    To the wife of Frank..you were truly loved by a wonderful man! I saw Frank at Randys Oktoberfest several years ago and he lit up when he spoke of you!Although I have not met you I knew he had finally found his true happiness!!While I was engaged to my husband, I had the pleasure to share a house with Randy, Frank and (husband) Dan. Frank was always like a brother to me, he always knew how to cheer you up and he always tried to make things better, like the time he dyed my hair because I hated it... and that smile was contagious!Truly the life of any party! Frank lived every moment to the fullest!He was genuinely a great guy.I am a better person just for knowing him and he will be missed dearly!Our deepest condolences to you, your family and Frank's family.
  • Peggy Johnson from onancock va, wrote on Nov. 24, 2012
    Karen, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am just so sorry for your loss.
  • Malaika from keller virginia, wrote on Nov. 23, 2012
    A funny, creative, smart and kind person--Frank will truly be missed. Karen and family, my sincerest sympathy for your loss. I hope that fond memories will bring comfort until time can ease the pain of this great loss.
  • Cheryl & Scott Bono from melfa va, wrote on Nov. 23, 2012
    Karen, Tye and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength and peace. Scott & Cheryl
  • Shirley Sisco-Jordan from exmore virginia, wrote on Nov. 23, 2012
    Dear Karen, My heart ache for you and Tye. I am so sorry I didn't know of Frank's illness and was sad and shocked to read of his death in the paper. Frank was one of my special people I worked with in Northampton. He was funny, kind, great w/children and always had that unforgettable smile. I know he is with the Angels in heaven. God bless you and stay strong for you and Tye. Love, Shirley Sisco-Jordan
  • Lisa and Todd Arnold from franktown va, wrote on Nov. 23, 2012
    Dear Karen and Tye, Words can not begin to express the sadness we feel for the loss of Frank. He was a great man...so full of life and energy! He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. God bless you both during this difficult time. Love, Lisa and Todd
  • Linda S. Ashby from exmore va., wrote on Nov. 22, 2012
    Karen, Tye and the Aita Family: The memorial tributes speak volumes as people express their love and admiration for your husband, step-father, son and brother. Frank was a special person and now he is suffering no more. He would want each of you to carry on knowing that he is looking down on you with a smile on his face and angel wings to carry him through the heavenly sky. Rest in peace, Frank. You will be missed by all who knew you. Linda S. Ashby
  • Jim "Skeeter" Dicelo from albuquerque nm, wrote on Nov. 20, 2012
    Karen & Family, I am so sorry to hear about Frank, I knew him while going to school in Wiesbaden Germany. He was a great friend and I will cherish the good times we had in Germany. I last seen him at our High School reunions we had in Las Vegas a few yew yrs back......R.I.P. my Warrior Brother. So sad you had to leave so soon.
  • Joe Mapother wrote on Nov. 20, 2012
    Frank lived life with enthusiasm and he will be missed. Condolences to the family, his many friends share your grief.
  • Etta Robins from cape charles va, wrote on Nov. 20, 2012
    Karen and Tye, There are no words to describe the incredible sadness that I feel for both of you. Please know that you are in the prayers of those who care for you and wish you peace in knowing that Frank's pain and suffering have ended. Through God's grace, you will find a way to cherish your memories and pave a way to accept His will. Love and prayers to all of you, Etta, Steve, and Meredith Robins
  • Will & Lenka Harvie from melfa virginia, wrote on Nov. 20, 2012
    Karen and Tye, We were so saddened to hear of Frank's passing. Please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
  • Laura McGowan from onancock va, wrote on Nov. 20, 2012
    Dear Karen and Family, Jim and I are very sorry for your loss. We thought very highly of Frank, as did everyone who knew him. He had such a kind, funny and enthusiastic spirit. You are in our thoughts.
  • Tracy Drew from plymouth nh, wrote on Nov. 20, 2012
    Frank was such a special friend to me. My most crazy, special moment was a year after Frank left Munich for UMCP. A friend of mine picked me up at the airport (BWI) to drop me off at UM orientation. After living in Munich and completing 2 years there (400 people), arriving at a campus of 400000 students was overwhelming. My friend, Nat (RIP), and I parked in such a generic place at the campus, but the second I got out of the car Frank was standing there! Out of no where! Not even knowing that I was showing up that day! He has always been a dear, serendipitous, part of my life. My heart goes out to Martin and his family. Frank was/is an angel.
  • Lyn Baskett Fort from gainesville florida, wrote on Nov. 20, 2012
    Frank always had a joke or a smile for me. I also went to high school with him. I will always remember his smiling eyes. My thoughts are with his family and close friends.
  • Denis Borum from takoma park md, wrote on Nov. 20, 2012
    Dear Karen and family of Frank, I am stunned to hear the news and am so sorry. I wish you the most inner strength as possible during this most difficult time. I knew Frank primarily from Randy and Carla's parties - he was a "staple." Always affable and lively by my account, so I always looked forward to seeing him. Being a cancer survivor myself, I am particularly shaken because I did not know. Certainly life with family has kept me overwhelmed, so I do not get as much time together with the crowd anymore. I was out-of-town for their last Oktoberfest - so I am that much more "out of the loop." I may be the only person who knew Frank's trivia question about where the early Beatles' song, "Til There Was You" came from (answer: The Music Man). He stumped most, but not me. That became a special bond - when he knew I knew the trivia (being a Beatles fan, discovered at one of the parties) we took turns trying to sing lines as smoothly as Paul McCartney... an amusing time, given that we didn't quite manage. I will always remember that fun - a type of fun that was Frank. My prayers are with you all. Denis Borum
  • zanne Conrow from exmore va., wrote on Nov. 20, 2012
    Frank was a wonderful brother-in-law. I don't think I was ever around him that he didn't make me laugh...even when he was sick. The first family gathering we ever had with him he told a joke. Everybody loved him. I will miss him.....Love you Frank.
  • Tammy McCullough from accomac virginia, wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    Always had a hug and a smile for you! You will be greatly missed. Love, McCullough Family
  • Carol McKinley Harris from golden colorado, wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    It's hard to imagine that such a vibrant soul has been extinguished. Frank Aita was always the light in the room. Maybe it's true the best always go first. I am sorry for your loss.
  • Julie Nisson (aka Julie Bell, aka Julie Farrell) from rockville md, wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    I am so sorry for the loss of this beautiful and mischievous soul. The world is a sadder place with him gone - he brought joy to so many and will be missed terribly. I was a friend of Frank's at UMD - greatly adored him and treasured our friendship. My heart goes out to you Karen.
  • Patricia and H.H. Scott from cape charles va, wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    Karen, Tye and family, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our prayers are with you at this time and know we are here if you need anything. Patricia and H.H. Scott and family
  • Maria Brickell Boeding from centennial co, wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    My deepest sympathies to all of the families. Frank was a wonderful guy that I met in high school in Wiesbaden Germany. He was an amazing person, great wrestler and all around nice guy. I know that the world has lost a unique and kind individual.
  • Greg Nemeth from fredericksburg va., wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    Frank, What a time we had in junior high and high school over in Wiesbaden! Hanging out out at your parents apartment, the AYA dances, rooming around downtown, wrestling on the team, and that bike ride up the Rhine to St. Goar! I still can't believe our parents let us head out on that one. You were a great friend. I'll miss you! Greg Nemeth
  • Vicki Demarest Kanarr from tucson az, wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    My deepest sympathy to all of the families. It's hard to imagine that such a vibrant person like Frank has left us. He was always an upbeat kind of guy and the life of any party. Frank made high school a truly unique experience. Know that Frank touched the lives of everyone he met. Sending my thoughts and prayers your way. Vicki Kanarr Demarest
  • Chuck Bates from denver co, wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    I have very fond memories of Frank from High School in Germany. My condolences on his passing.
  • Amanda Steadman-Schira from cleveland ohio, wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    My thought and prayers are with his family. I went to high school with Frank in Germany. He was a great guy and will be missed.
  • Bear & Kathy Flaherty from corpus christi tx, wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    We all met many years ago, but even though we did not see each for many years at a time, he was a friend that you looked forward to seeing the most! You are all in our thoughts at this time. Our deepest sympathy. Bear & Kathy Flaherty
  • Robin Sexauer from nassawadox va, wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    Karen, Tye and Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers!
  • Elliott Powell from lorton va, wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    My sincere condolences on your loss. I fondly remember Frank from our days at Wiesbaden High School! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief.
  • dee manning from hacksneck va., wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    Karen and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Frank was a kind person.When my son was at NHS he was always there if he needed him for help,now he is in the military.My thoughts are with you all. Dee Manning,Michael BradshawUSCG, Jonathan Manning
  • Bob and Maria Hood & Juan Harvie from belle haven va, wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    Dear Karen, Tye, and Family, We send our deepest sympathy to all of you at this most impossibly difficult time in your lives. Karen, use all of that incredible talent and courage which you have possessed since you were a little girl to get through this. We're on the other side of the woods if you need us for anything. We are so saddened over the loss of your darling Frank. Our hearts go out to each of you, and Juan called from college to ask us to let you know he is thinking of you. Much love from the Hoods and Harvies
  • Victoria Riggin from exmore va, wrote on Nov. 19, 2012
    Karen and family, I am so sorry for your loss especially at this time of year. Please find peace knowing that your loved one has found peace in heaven above.
  • Ted and Jane Duer from onley virginia, wrote on Nov. 18, 2012
    Karen, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care. Ted and Jane
  • Lamda Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma wrote on Nov. 18, 2012
    Karen and Tye, Our thoughts and prayers are with you both and your families. Your Lambda Sisters
  • tracy smith wrote on Nov. 18, 2012
    TO kAREN AND THE FAMILY i AMTRULY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS fRANK IT WASPLESURE KNOWNING HIM AT SSCHOOL IREMEMBER HIS COOL SMILE TRULY TRACY SMITH
  • Jennifer & Isaac Annis from onancock va, wrote on Nov. 18, 2012
    Karen, Tye and family, We are so sorry for your loss. You are in out thoughts and prayers. Jennifer, Isaac, Justin & Matt
  • Judith Flacke from chula vista ca, wrote on Nov. 18, 2012
    Frank was a student in my history class at H.H. Arnold High School in Wiesbaden, Germany. I have very fond memories of Frank....as a student, an athlete, and a wonderful human being. I know he will be terribly missed by all of his loved ones. Please know that he touched the lives of his classmates and teachers as well and knowing him was a highlight in my life. Sending sincere simpathy, Judy Flacke
  • Ann Fritz from alexandria and nassawadox va, wrote on Nov. 18, 2012
    Karen, Tye, the Aita families and the Young families, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time...Frank was definitely one of a kind and will be greatly missed for his love of life and his ability to laugh! May you reflect on the great memories you have of Frank! God's Blessings to you!
  • Carolin Savage from quinby va, wrote on Nov. 18, 2012
    My prayers are with you and your family, Mr. Aita. You were one of my favorite teachers and you have made an impact on my life. You will never be forgotten and you are forever loved by many. Thank you for all that you have done.
  • Nancy Gosline from exmore va, wrote on Nov. 18, 2012
    My sincere sympathy in your loss, Frank was a joy to everyone he came in contact with. His pain is over and he is in the hands of the Lord now, rest is peace.
  • Scott Schreiber from exmore va, wrote on Nov. 18, 2012
    Karen, I am sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Frank was a good man and will be missed. Scott
  • Amy Riggin from exmore va, wrote on Nov. 17, 2012
    My thoughts and prayers and prayers are with you!!
  • Lacy henley from painter va, wrote on Nov. 17, 2012
    mrs. Aita, I'm so sorry for your lose. Frank was a really nice person and teacher. He will surley be missed
  • Shannon Spady-Upshur from birdsnest va, wrote on Nov. 17, 2012
    Karen, Tye and The Rest of the Family, We are so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man Frank was. May your memories, love, comfort and support get through this difficult time. Anthony,Sr; Shannon, Anthony,Jr; and Manazia Upshur
  • Diane Powers from exmore va, wrote on Nov. 17, 2012
    Lord I hope you know what you are doing.. You have taken a wonderful husband, father, son, teacher, brother.......... I trust that you need him more then we all do. Lord, I hope you are ready for Frank... he is a handful but will certainly make you smile and laugh. I guess you already knew that..... Prayers for Karen, Ty and the entire family.
  • Randi Merritt from united states, wrote on Nov. 17, 2012
    Karen, I am so sorry Karen. There aren't enough words to say how I feel right now that would take away your grief right now. Just know that you are constantly in our prayers and we are lifting you up to the Lord to help you through this time. I just pray that you and your family can feel the strong arms of the Lord wrapped around you, holding you, and giving you strength right now. We love you and we are praying for you. If there is anything at all we can do for you, please let us know.
  • Stacee Bell from smith beach va, wrote on Nov. 17, 2012
    Aunt Karen and Tye, you both are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if you need anything. Hang in there, you both are strong together. Love you both!
  • Gwyn Coghill & G.F. Hogg from cape charles va, wrote on Nov. 17, 2012
    Karen, Tye and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep your treasured memories of Frank in your heart and he will be with you in spirit forever. Be strong...Frank is at peace and no longer in pain. He would want us all to remember his smile, laughter, and love of family and friends. Most of all, he would want us to find peace within ourselves, joy in knowing the many ways he touched our lives, and love of one another.


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