Thank you, Frank

When I heard that Frank Destadio had resigned from City Council, my first thought wasn’t about politics. It was about gratitude.

Gratitude for the time he gave this city. Gratitude for the way he carried himself. And gratitude for the way he showed up for people like me.

Frank was one of the first people to take me under his wing when I joined the Planning Commission. I didn’t have a background in land use or city governance. I just knew I cared about Peachtree City and wanted to contribute. Frank made sure I had the knowledge I needed for the role. He walked me through how the Commission worked, explained how to make recommendations to City Council, and helped me understand how our actions could shape the city.

He didn’t have to do any of that. But that’s the kind of person he’s always been.

Frank served on the Planning Commission for almost a decade, including multiple years as chairman. Then he was elected to City Council in 2021 where he continued leading the city. He was never one to make a lot of noise or seek attention. But if you paid attention to how our meetings worked and how our decisions were made, you saw his fingerprints.

He brought a calm, methodical presence to Peachtree City. He prepared thoroughly. He asked smart questions. He understood that what we do at the local level isn’t abstract. It affects neighborhoods, businesses, and people’s daily lives. He took that responsibility seriously.

Part of that came from his background. Before serving Peachtree City, Frank served our country as an officer in the United States Air Force, retiring as a colonel after a long and accomplished career. He also brought decades of experience in engineering and management. That perspective showed. He knew how to break down complicated issues, how to look at a problem from every angle, and how to stay focused on what mattered.

But Frank’s leadership wasn’t just technical. It was principled. He believed in Peachtree City’s vision. He believed in following the plan. He believed his job was to protect what makes this place special, even when it meant saying no or standing firm in the face of pressure. He didn’t come to meetings to score points. He came to make sure the right work got done.

Outside of City Hall, Frank lived those same values in his everyday life. He was active at Holy Trinity Catholic Church where he served as an usher and Eucharistic Minister. He volunteered at Ashley Glen Assisted Living Facility, leading weekly men’s group discussions. He worked with the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post 50. In many corners of our community, you could find Frank.

As Mayor Learnard once said, his philosophy was simple: “I should be doing more.” That’s not something you often hear about public figures. But it says everything about him. Frank didn’t just serve because he had the time. He served because he felt called to. He knew being part of a community means showing up, lending a hand, and doing the work that keeps things moving forward.

He also believed in bringing others along with him. That was true for me, and I know I’m not the only one. There are a number of people in this city who learned how to lead by watching Frank. He didn’t lecture. He modeled.

As Frank steps away from City Council, he leaves behind more than a voting record. He leaves a legacy of thoughtfulness, discipline, and integrity. 

Good governance is not flashy. It is often thankless. But it is essential. Over his many years of service, Frank Destadio has been one of the people who made sure Peachtree City stayed true to itself.

I’m grateful for his time on the Planning Commission. I’m grateful for his years on Council. I’m grateful for the example he set and the way he made those around him better.

Thank you, Frank. You served this city with honor, with humility, and with heart. 

You leave our community better than you found it.