Obituary of Frank Oscar Rennie

Frank Oscar Rennie, 90, passed away peacefully at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. The beloved husband of Irene Marriott for the past 66 years, he was predeceased by his daughter Linda and is survived by his son Daryl, daughter Heather, son in law Greg, and two grandsons, Robert and Michael Humphries. He is also survived by his sister Jacqueline Grabarz of Wilton and his late brother Neil's family of Stamford. Born in Greenwich, his father and grandfather both owned horse riding academies. Frank began learning the art of show jumping at age 5. Thru his teen years Frank competed at Equestrian venues in NY and CT, winning many junior show jumping titles including the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden. He successfully competed against the future U.S. Olympic gold medalist Bill Steinkraus. In 1944 he joined the U.S. Army serving in the Philippines and was amongst the first troops to occupy Japan. After leaving the service he attended college in Plattsburg, NY where he met his wife. They settled in Stamford until 1970. The family lived in New Canaan until 1978 then resided in Bridgeport to date. He was actively involved at St. John's Episcopal Church during the 1960's & 70's serving as usher and on the vestry as well as head of the Sunday School. An avid tennis player, Frank was runner up in Stamford's city 1962 doubles competition and same again at the Italian Center competition 10 years later. In senior play he was the 1981 Harambee's veteran singles winner and the 1992 Stratford singles champ. He continued friendly play until age 85. Frank worked at Nestles in Stamford for over 30 years, retiring in 1991. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. directly in St. John's Episcopal Church, 628 Main St., Stamford. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow in Woodland Cemetery, Stamford. There will be no calling hours. The Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull has been entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489.