David L. Fromang, M.D. passed away on July 23, 2023 with his wife of 49 years, Debra, by his side. David was born in 1944 at The Naval Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut, while his father served our country as an Officer in the submarine service during WWII.
After the war and medical school David’s parents, Sara and Vernon, relocated their young and growing family to Vero Beach in 1952. Vernon Fromang, M.D. practiced medicine until his passing in 1977.
David achieved academic honors and was an outstanding athlete at Vero Beach High School. He sang in the chorus, played fullback & middle linebacker for the Indians, acted in school plays, held multiple class offices, and pulled friend’s cars out of ditches. His class recently celebrated their 60th reunion and enjoyed excellent wine and memories.
In 1967, Dave graduated from The Citadel, where his classmates knew him as a compassionate, kind and caring man with a ready smile and wonderful sense of humor. His many honors as a cadet included vice-president of the senior class, Regimental Athletic Officer, the Air Force Military Medal as Outstanding Cadet, The Citadel Honor Society, Presidential Academic Medal of Honor, and induction into The Citadel Roundtable. He attended The Citadel on a football scholarship.
David’s interest in medicine began by shadowing his father on house calls and learning patient care; lessons he carried with him all his life. He graduated with his M.D. degree from The University of Florida followed by a General Surgery/ Urology Residency at Shands Teaching Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. During this time David met, fell in love with, and married Debra.
His urology practice brought patients from Vero Beach to Stuart, including Port St Lucie and Okeechobee. David served as Chief of Staff, Medical Executive Committee at Large, Quality Assurance Committee, Vice-Chief of Staff, Chairman of the Ethics Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Surgical Audit Committee and Delegate for the Florida Medical Association. All these efforts were driven seeking the best patient care and protection of the Lawnwood Medical Staff By-Laws. David worked with many incredible individuals; fellow physicians, nurses, support staff, housekeeping, cafeteria team, maintenance crew and was quick to point out their accomplishments. While these accolades were impressive, the most meaningful, to David, was the gratitude of his patients in the form of baked goods, home grown tomatoes, special delivery lunches and the many grateful cards he received over the years for his compassionate care.
David also participated in many St. Lucie County organizations and was the Founding Physician of Treasure Coast Hospice, Special Olympics Physician, Police Boxing Physician, Rotary International, and the American Cancer Society. While his practice took up a great deal of his time, David enjoyed being in nature. He often quoted John Muir, Preservationist of Wilderness, “and into the woods I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”. And that he did, while experiencing Alaska, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Colorado and the Grand Canyon. His knowledge of history was legendary as was his love of music and poetry.
He also enjoyed time spent on ‘Old Florida’ ranches and the camaraderie shared with cowboys from Ft. Pierce, Okeechobee and Arcadia. He and Sean spent some of the best times together helping catch wild boar while observing turkey, deer, gators, and enjoying expert cooking at the Ranch. David loved spending time with family and friends on his boat, ‘The Monkey Business’.
David is survived by his wife Debra (Scott Toole) of 49 years, his son Sean David, cousin Roger and Mary Engels, sisters and brothers; Starr Fromang Scartuorchio, Dawn Fromang Schommer (Nick), Lisa Fromang Fernandez (Daniel), Brian Fromang (Marsha), Abby Fromang Milon (Wally) and Mark Fromang (Gina); sister-in-law, Davi Trent Toole. Twenty-three nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Dave.
David was predeceased by his grandparents Leroy and Mabel Fromang, David and Rose Orr, parents Vernon and Sara Jo Fromang, Uncle John and Aunt Blanche Lemon and his brother Steve Fromang, J.D.
David’s passing was unexpected and has left many with saddened hearts. His life was one of care and encouragement during his half century of medical practice. He was a gentleman, gracious, generous, thoughtful and kind. He touched many lives and will be dearly missed. The family would like to thank his friends and associates for their outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time.
Should you desire to make a donation, in David’s memory, please consider:
The Citadel Class of ’67 Scholarship and/or The War Memorial Perpetual Care Fund
171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29409
The Sunrise Theatre Foundation- 115 South Second Street, Ft Pierce, FL 34950
VNA & Hospice Foundation – 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.