Frank Joseph Husic

Frank Joseph Husic passed away on January 1, 2024, in Napa, CA, after falling and suffering a head injury. It's hard to believe a man with as much verve and tenacity as Frank could ever be gone, but in his absence, we celebrate the fullness of the life he lived.

Born on March 10, 1942, in Youngstown, OH, Frank was the son of a steelworker and a nurse, and raised primarily by his grandmother, Sophie Ivanko. Sophie spoke Croatian and knew no English, and she was a devout Catholic. She raised Frank to be proud of his Croatian heritage - a pride he would later instill in his sons.

Frank graduated from Ursuline High School in Youngstown in 1959. After high school, he attended Youngstown State University, graduating cum laude in 1964. In 1966, he earned his MS in industrial administration from Carnegie Mellon University, and in 1972, his MA with a major in business and applied economics from University of Pennsylvania. Frank came from a humble background. The more education he earned, the more possibilities he saw and strived towards. Education was the path to an elevated life, and he pursued it doggedly.

Frank was smart and disciplined, leading to great success as a financial advisor with Alliance Capital Management. He worked there from 1972 to 1985, climbing the ranks to become senior vice president and director of Alliance Capital Management and president and portfolio manager of the Alliance Technology Fund. He'd become a leading expert in publicly traded stocks, and it paid off. His success at Alliance allowed him to start Husic Capital Management, where he was founder, managing partner, and chief investment officer from 1986 to 2015. Frank was committed to success, and he earned it. Frank focused on work for much of his life, and it paid off.

But February 1, 1994, he met Julie, and the pieces he'd been building coalesced into a beautiful life. The two met while Julie was on a blind date with someone else - which didn't stop the undeniable chemistry between them. Julie was the great love of Frank's life. They were married on August 28, 1999, just before the arrival of their first son, FJ, on September 9, 1999. Their second son, Paris, was born on April 24, 2001. In waiting till later in life to start a family, Julie and Frank were able to devote their lives to their kids. Work often took a backseat to the boys many sporting events and family vacations. When the boys attended boarding school in Princeton, NJ, Frank and Julie followed. They had so much fun being parents together, and they shared both joy and wisdom with FJ and Paris, who have become upstanding young men. Frank took the time to really know his sons; he was delighted to share in their lives.

Golf was a big part of Frank's life before his sons were born. He didn't want to be one of those dads who disappears to play golf on the weekends, so he quit. But Frank remained a Privileged Member of San Francisco Olympic Golf Club, an honor that delighted him.

In 1995, Julie and Frank bought 120 acres in Napa Valley. They founded Husic Vineyards in 2001. Frank adored the land, and he and Julie found great joy in running their business together. It was Julie's passion, and one that Frank was thrilled to join and support. For both of them, it wasn't just business. It was home. Gregarious and dynamic, Frank was a savvy salesman. Whether he was talking to one person or charming a crowd of hundreds, his passion for both the money management and wine business were infectious. He generously mentored many, wanting others to live up to their full potential, to enjoy the kind of life he'd built for his family. Frank was incredibly proud of being self-made, of building a business that allowed his family to travel and to embrace the finer things, like great wine, food, and friendships.

Everyone knew Frank, and so many loved him dearly. How ever you entered Frank's orbit, you were sure to feel its pull. He made everyone around him feel valued and loved. We will remember Frank for the way he embraced life fully and lived enthusiastically. We will remember him as an adoring husband and father, and a friend you could always count on.

Frank is survived by his wife, Julie; and his sons: FJ and Paris.

A Celebration of Life for Frank will be held in Napa, in Summer 2024.


FOTO: Private