Obituary for Samuel Frost
Samuel (Sam) Frost, 87, passed away on April 15, 2021, after a lingering illness, at Holy Cross Hospital, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was a devoted husband of Geraldine (Gerry) Frost. They shared 65 years of marriage together.Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Sam was the son of Nathan and Fannie (Frances) Bell Frost (Poliakoff). He graduated from Hempstead High School, in 1951, in Hempstead, New York. Sam and Gerry moved their family to South Florida to start their own wholesale umbrella and patio furniture business, with the assistance of Jack Kafka, Gerry’s father. For 40 plus years, Sam and Gerry owned and operated Florida Sunshade Company, in Oakland Park, Florida.For the first few years of high school, Sam practiced Judaism, at a yeshiva, an Orthodox Jewish parochial school, in Brooklyn, NY. Sam and Gerry kept their Jewish family faith and raised their four children in a Conservative and glatt kosher home. They followed many of the Jewish traditions including going to templeto celebrate the Sabbath and High Holy days. Sam and Gerry were among the founders and long-time members of Temple Beth Israel, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Together, they met multiple families and became lifelong friends. Sam loved to eat junk food. A few of his favorite desserts and snacks were vanilla or butter pecan ice cream, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, popcorn, and crunchy Cheetos. He also enjoyed eating all beef hot dogs, Chinese buffet, Kimchi, and adding Tobacco sauce to spice up his food. Sam’s hobbies involved nature such as being near the ocean, camping and hiking in the woods, observing sunrises and sunsets, gazing at stars, watching birds, and teaching two parakeets, Shalom and Sabra, to talk, and studying the lifecycle of butterflies. Sam kept exotic fish in a decorative, custom-made aquarium and was mesmerized by the fish swimming gracefully in the water. He was fascinated, too, that he could connect with a Black Ghost Knifefish, which he guided to the top of the tank to eat from his hand. Sam was interested, happiest,and most relaxed when he fished at the pier, on the canal, at the river, or in a boat. Before going out on a regular or fly fishing excursion, Sam made sinkers by melting lead and lures from family members’ locks of hair. He hoped Gerry’s shiny, gray hair would bring him good luck. The family remembers Sam’s three favorite Florida places to visit, innumerable times, were Butterfly World, Lion Country Safari, and Ocean World. He could spend hours watching butterflies glide through the air, looking at animals move freely in their environment, and feeding and touching a dolphin, waiting patiently, for the dolphin to swim near him.Sam reflected how he wished his body would allow him to continue his passion with growing edible plants and trees. For more than 30 years, he belonged to the Rare Fruit & Vegetable Council (RFVC) of Broward County, in South Florida. The RFVC President and several older garden club members thought highly of Sam and said he made friends easily. After losing Gerry, several people reached out to Sam for company, and he appreciated their kindness. They spoke of similar stories about Sam’s excitement when learning and later sharing his new knowledge at his rare plant meetings and events. Sam was delighted when he won a raffled plant or tasted a unique fruit or vegetable at the club. He always enjoyed walking family and friends around the house, setting up his own tasting table for visitors to explore, and giving away some Carambola (Star Fruit) or seeds from the Synsepalum dulcificum (Miracle Fruit). His enthusiasm was infectious! On the day of Sam’s funeral service, the club members were having their biannual plant sale. The President told the family that Sam would have loved to have been there. Sam was probably overseeing the event because the RFVC plant sale went well.Sam’s favorite poem was “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann, and one might gain some insights as to his thoughts and feelings about how he viewed life. The main message of the poem is one’s desired qualities
of the heart and soul, which was like a road map for how he hoped he could live his life. He treasured receiving homemade gifts or gifts from the heart. Sam adored his grandkids, Sara and Nathan. Shepsal Zolman expressed much joy when they called him by his Hebrew nickname, Shepsi. He also enjoyed listening to classical music, doing crossword puzzles, and reading non-fiction books about lawyers written by John Grisham. Cherishing all of Gerry’s hand creations, in particular, the afghan blanket that was made just for him, and decorating their home with hand-made curtains, fabric covered furniture, and family photosdisplayed throughout their house. Sam was mindful of people less fortunate than himself, and he followed the Jewish tradition of tzedakah, or giving charitably. Frequently and reliably, during each year, he donatedmeals and money to the temple, along with four of his favorite charities: Innocence Project, American HeartAssociation, Jewish National Fund, and Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America.Upon graduating high school, Sam completed one year of college and studied Biology. From 1953 to 1955,he enlisted, served, and was honorably discharged from the United States Army. After Basic Training, Samwent to the Medical Corp School, in Fort Hood, Texas, to become a Medic. Next, Sam was stationed in Puson, Korea, at the end of the Korean Conflict, which resulted in changing his Medic assignment to another area of need. He performed administrative duties delivering sensitive personnel documents and medical records to various locations. During Sam’s tour of duty, he received four medals: National DefenseService, United Nations Service, Korean Service, and Good Conduct. Transitioning from military life to civilian life, Sam returned to Long Island, New York, and worked as a Hoover Vacuum Cleaner salesman. His real reason for going to Levittown, Long Island was because he planned to marry his “gem of a lady,” Gerry. Sam expressed his appreciation to be married to his lovely lady and to be welcomed into Gerry’s warm, kind, and caring Kafka family. He was a loyal husband and forever friend to his “beautiful bride.” When Gerry passed, Sam said she was a devoted wife and best friend, and Gerry taught Sam how to love. Sam and Gerry were inseparable. If they were “apart,” they remained connected, by the old-fashioned pay phone, checking in with each other at home or at work. Sam and Gerry delighted in simply sitting next to each other and holding hands, doing jigsaw puzzles and playing “Black Jack,” going to the casino, to play the slot machines for fun, waving his metal detector while walking along the beach accompanied by Gerry, and watching movies together, especially, “As Good As It Gets” with Jack Nicholson. As in most marriages, there were plenty of opportunities for airing their thoughts. No matter what was said, it was clear that Sam and Gerry were a team, always there for each other. When Gerry passed, Sam was heart-broken.Sam was thrilled to have a family swimming pool because he loved the water and encouraged his family to swim with him. Besides swimming, Sam’s family recalled their times together on the family boat. Sam relished riding, with his children, in a jon boat (a flat-bottomed boat). On the way back from caravanning onthe canal, Sam enjoyed watching his children’s amazement with his skill of turning off the motor, at the precise distance, and coasting all the way back to the house bank wall.According to many family, friends, and acquaintances, Sam and Gerry were very well-liked, and they admired Sam and Gerry’s love and devotion for each other. Also, people said they were charming, fun to be around, and had a great sense of humor. For years, Sam and Gerry thoroughly enjoyed and welcomed family and lifelong friends, including high school buddies, both near and far, to their home.After Gerry’s death, Sam still had the resilience to survive and live. With his multiple life-threatening health issues, like his favorite cartoon character, Superman, he certainly seemed to be a man made of steel. He used to say he still had work to do with downsizing their home, and he insisted on doing it all by himself.
Upon Gerry’s passing, Sam realized and was relieved he would be laid to rest next to Gerry when the time came.Sam always had a special place in his heart for his only sibling, his sister, Roberta Frost. Five years beforeSam was born, his father and mother, Nathan and Fannie Frost, respectively, welcomed Roberta into this world. He did not meet Roberta until he was a young boy or near his pre-teen years because she lived in an institution, due to a physically disabling injury that occurred at birth. After becoming an adult and relocating to Florida, Sam loved when Roberta would visit, from New York, and stay with him and his family. It was a fun and special time for everyone.After Sam’s mother, Fannie, passed, Sam became enthralled whenever a family member researched his Poliakoff genealogy. He had information that his maternal grandfather, Samuel Poliakoff, was married twice, and Sam hoped to learn more about his maternal grandmother and Samuel Poliakoff’s first wife. Years later, Sam discovered her first name was Rosa, she was born in Russia, and she lived in Aiken, South Carolina. At nine years old, Fannie’s mother, Rosa, died and was buried in Augusta, Georgia. Somehow, Sam was informed that his maternal grandmother’s maiden name may have been Grablowsky. Sam came very close to learning her complete name, which is believed to be Rosa Poliakoff (Grabibasky). While he did not meet Rosa and Samuel Poliakoff, his maternal grandparents, Sam formed a special bond and spoke fondly of his maternal step-grandmother, Rachel Leah Poliakoff, known as “Beebe” and Samuel Poliakoff’s second wife. Sam also spent many memorable moments with his half aunts, uncles, and cousins, especially the Draisens.Sam is survived by his children, Dean Frost (Cindy), Barry Frost (Celia), and Michele Frost-Bromberek (Gene), and his grandchildren, Sara Frost (daughter of Dean and Cindy) and Nathan Frost (son of Barry Frost and Chrisy Greco), and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Frost (Kafka), his son, David Frost, his parents, Nathan and Fannie (Frances) Bell Poliakoff-Frost, and his sister, Roberta Frost.The family wishes to thank Rabbi Randy Kafka for officiating the beautiful Zoom funeral service and everyone who helped with making this possible. The family feels much gratitude for all of the people who attended Sam’s funeral in person and on Zoom. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Sam. Your family and friends love you and will hold you dearly in their hearts and minds forever.Interment was April 18, 2021, at Temple Beth El Memorial Gardens, Davie, Florida
of the heart and soul, which was like a road map for how he hoped he could live his life. He treasured receiving homemade gifts or gifts from the heart. Sam adored his grandkids, Sara and Nathan. Shepsal Zolman expressed much joy when they called him by his Hebrew nickname, Shepsi. He also enjoyed listening to classical music, doing crossword puzzles, and reading non-fiction books about lawyers written by John Grisham. Cherishing all of Gerry’s hand creations, in particular, the afghan blanket that was made just for him, and decorating their home with hand-made curtains, fabric covered furniture, and family photosdisplayed throughout their house. Sam was mindful of people less fortunate than himself, and he followed the Jewish tradition of tzedakah, or giving charitably. Frequently and reliably, during each year, he donatedmeals and money to the temple, along with four of his favorite charities: Innocence Project, American HeartAssociation, Jewish National Fund, and Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America.Upon graduating high school, Sam completed one year of college and studied Biology. From 1953 to 1955,he enlisted, served, and was honorably discharged from the United States Army. After Basic Training, Samwent to the Medical Corp School, in Fort Hood, Texas, to become a Medic. Next, Sam was stationed in Puson, Korea, at the end of the Korean Conflict, which resulted in changing his Medic assignment to another area of need. He performed administrative duties delivering sensitive personnel documents and medical records to various locations. During Sam’s tour of duty, he received four medals: National DefenseService, United Nations Service, Korean Service, and Good Conduct. Transitioning from military life to civilian life, Sam returned to Long Island, New York, and worked as a Hoover Vacuum Cleaner salesman. His real reason for going to Levittown, Long Island was because he planned to marry his “gem of a lady,” Gerry. Sam expressed his appreciation to be married to his lovely lady and to be welcomed into Gerry’s warm, kind, and caring Kafka family. He was a loyal husband and forever friend to his “beautiful bride.” When Gerry passed, Sam said she was a devoted wife and best friend, and Gerry taught Sam how to love. Sam and Gerry were inseparable. If they were “apart,” they remained connected, by the old-fashioned pay phone, checking in with each other at home or at work. Sam and Gerry delighted in simply sitting next to each other and holding hands, doing jigsaw puzzles and playing “Black Jack,” going to the casino, to play the slot machines for fun, waving his metal detector while walking along the beach accompanied by Gerry, and watching movies together, especially, “As Good As It Gets” with Jack Nicholson. As in most marriages, there were plenty of opportunities for airing their thoughts. No matter what was said, it was clear that Sam and Gerry were a team, always there for each other. When Gerry passed, Sam was heart-broken.Sam was thrilled to have a family swimming pool because he loved the water and encouraged his family to swim with him. Besides swimming, Sam’s family recalled their times together on the family boat. Sam relished riding, with his children, in a jon boat (a flat-bottomed boat). On the way back from caravanning onthe canal, Sam enjoyed watching his children’s amazement with his skill of turning off the motor, at the precise distance, and coasting all the way back to the house bank wall.According to many family, friends, and acquaintances, Sam and Gerry were very well-liked, and they admired Sam and Gerry’s love and devotion for each other. Also, people said they were charming, fun to be around, and had a great sense of humor. For years, Sam and Gerry thoroughly enjoyed and welcomed family and lifelong friends, including high school buddies, both near and far, to their home.After Gerry’s death, Sam still had the resilience to survive and live. With his multiple life-threatening health issues, like his favorite cartoon character, Superman, he certainly seemed to be a man made of steel. He used to say he still had work to do with downsizing their home, and he insisted on doing it all by himself.
Upon Gerry’s passing, Sam realized and was relieved he would be laid to rest next to Gerry when the time came.Sam always had a special place in his heart for his only sibling, his sister, Roberta Frost. Five years beforeSam was born, his father and mother, Nathan and Fannie Frost, respectively, welcomed Roberta into this world. He did not meet Roberta until he was a young boy or near his pre-teen years because she lived in an institution, due to a physically disabling injury that occurred at birth. After becoming an adult and relocating to Florida, Sam loved when Roberta would visit, from New York, and stay with him and his family. It was a fun and special time for everyone.After Sam’s mother, Fannie, passed, Sam became enthralled whenever a family member researched his Poliakoff genealogy. He had information that his maternal grandfather, Samuel Poliakoff, was married twice, and Sam hoped to learn more about his maternal grandmother and Samuel Poliakoff’s first wife. Years later, Sam discovered her first name was Rosa, she was born in Russia, and she lived in Aiken, South Carolina. At nine years old, Fannie’s mother, Rosa, died and was buried in Augusta, Georgia. Somehow, Sam was informed that his maternal grandmother’s maiden name may have been Grablowsky. Sam came very close to learning her complete name, which is believed to be Rosa Poliakoff (Grabibasky). While he did not meet Rosa and Samuel Poliakoff, his maternal grandparents, Sam formed a special bond and spoke fondly of his maternal step-grandmother, Rachel Leah Poliakoff, known as “Beebe” and Samuel Poliakoff’s second wife. Sam also spent many memorable moments with his half aunts, uncles, and cousins, especially the Draisens.Sam is survived by his children, Dean Frost (Cindy), Barry Frost (Celia), and Michele Frost-Bromberek (Gene), and his grandchildren, Sara Frost (daughter of Dean and Cindy) and Nathan Frost (son of Barry Frost and Chrisy Greco), and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Frost (Kafka), his son, David Frost, his parents, Nathan and Fannie (Frances) Bell Poliakoff-Frost, and his sister, Roberta Frost.The family wishes to thank Rabbi Randy Kafka for officiating the beautiful Zoom funeral service and everyone who helped with making this possible. The family feels much gratitude for all of the people who attended Sam’s funeral in person and on Zoom. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Sam. Your family and friends love you and will hold you dearly in their hearts and minds forever.Interment was April 18, 2021, at Temple Beth El Memorial Gardens, Davie, Florida