David Lee Frasco

David Lee Frasco was born on April 8, 1931, in Brush, Colorado, and died peacefully at home under Hospice care on October 22, 2022, in Walla Walla, at age 91.

Dave was born to Anthony Frasco and Arlene (nee Bartram) Frasco on a ranch near Ft. Morgan, Colorado. He was later joined by siblings, Gloryann, Roger, and Timothy. After completing grades 1-8 at a small country school, he attended high school in Fort Morgan, graduating in 1949. Dave received his A.B. in Physical Science at Colorado State College (now University) in 1953 and then completed his M.S. and PhD in chemistry at Washington State College (now University) in 1958. He was hired by Whitman College fall of 1958 as Assistant Professor of Chemistry in the fall of 1958 and, over the years, attained full professor rank in 1973-74. He was named a Garrett Fellow in 1971. At the end of his teaching career in 1996, he was awarded Emeritus Professor of Chemistry. During his teaching years, Dave taught a wide range of chemistry courses and held a number of faculty offices. He mentored many students and enjoyed their visits after graduation. Professionally he spent two sabbatical leaves, first at the University of Washington and later at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA doing research. He had two NSF grants and did research summers at Battelle in Richland, WA.

In retirement, Dave began volunteering with the local AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program, starting as a tax advisor. Over the next 28 years until 2019, he took on more responsibilities, including the Local Coordinator of the Senior Center Site, District Coordinator for Walla Walla County and Counties, and Instructor and Training Coordinator. In 2016 he was named a Tax-Aide Fellow in recognition of his long and outstanding service to the Tax-Aide Program.

Dave met and married his wife, Nancy, at WSU. They had two sons, Michael and Eric. Nancy passed away in 1975. Mutual Whitman friends introduced Dave to his second wife, Gwyn Adams. Her two sons, Bradley and Barry, became part of the Frasco family. Family was important to Dave as he found time to teach his sons the love of snow skiing at Spout Springs while he volunteered with the Ski Patrol, water skiing, and other activities at the family cabin at Newman Lake, WA, tending his rose garden and large yard and doing many projects in his wood shop. For many years he enjoyed coffee time at the Science building with his science buddies. Trips were taken to Colorado and Michigan to see his and Gwyn's extended families. Summers from the late 1950s until 2021 meant time spent at the family cabin at Newman Lake. Dave loved driving the motor boat for water skiing, working on projects that kept the cabin in good repair, and especially the camaraderie around the evening campfires with family, friends, and Newman Lake neighbors.

Dave is survived by his wife, Gwyn; his sons, Michael (Susan Aldworth) and Eric (Laurie); and stepsons, Bradley and Barry Adams (Shellane); grandchildren, Graydon; Porter and Bailey Adams. David was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy.

The family plans a June 2023 gathering at the family cabin where favorite Dave stories and remembrances will be shared at the place which meant so much to him.

Donations in David's honor can be made to the Walla Walla Senior Center or the AARP national Tax-Aide program through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.