Philip Lawrence Froemke

Philip Lawrence Froemke, a longtime resident of Tallahassee, died on December 18, 2025, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital after a short illness. Born on May 28, 1950, to Jessie (Rathbone) and Robert Lawrence Froemke in Athens, GA, Philip moved to Tallahassee in 1959 and grew up in the Betton Hills neighborhood. He graduated from Leon High School in 1968 where he was active in student government and sports. He attended Florida State University receiving a BA degree in English, a minor in Music, in 1972. He spent his junior year in Europe as part of FSU’s Florence, Italy Study Aboard program where he developed a deep appreciation for Italian culture and cuisine. In 1974, he received a master’s degree from FSU in Theatrical Arts, specializing in Playwriting. After a short sprint in New York City where he worked for the Public Broadcasting Company, Philip moved to Los Angels and for the next 25 years worked in film production as a producer. He began his career producing national TV commercials for clients such as Pepsi, Toyota, Burger King, Lexus, Nestle, and Hewlett-Packard working with directors like David Fincher and Barry Myers. Being detailed-oriented, he enjoyed working with large technical crews at a fast pace and thrived under pressure when meeting tight deadlines. He was also well-known for his on-set diplomacy and being able to communicate effectively with creatives to maximize their potential. During this time, he also worked on long-format documentaries. In 2000, Philip returned to Tallahassee where he pursued freelance film projects in Florida, enabling him to be near his elderly parents and to assist in their care. Always community-minded, he became an active member of the Betton Hills Neighborhood Association from 2002-2007, serving as its President in 2006. In 2009, Philip became employed at the Tallahassee School of Math and Science where he led special projects and was a beloved member of the staff. One of his lasting legacies is the school garden, which he envisioned after noticing an empty patch of ground and decided to bring it to life. Through the garden, Philip inspired hundreds of students, teaching them to grow food, try new vegetables, and develop a lasting appreciation for gardening and hands on learning. He also played an essential role in supporting school events and daily operations and was deeply cherished by the school community. During his tenure at TSMS, the school grew from a small middle school into an accredited K through 8th Grade academy, a transformation in which Philip took great pride. He retired in June 2024. Throughout his life, Froemke had an abiding love for music, especially the music of the Beatles, the Beach Boys and The Lovin’ Spoonful. During his 20’s and 30’s he often played in bands when time permitted. He enjoyed writing songs as a hobby and would occasionally record one. To his surprise, last year a British producer, Hampus Gunnarsson, contacted him to place one of his songs from the 70’s, “Best Wait ‘Til February”, on his YouTube channel. Philip, the deeply loved brother of Judith Miller, Brownville-Junction, ME, Susan Froemke, New York, NY, and Bruce Froemke, Tallahassee, FL, will be forever missed. There will be a memorial visitation to celebrate his life on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 5-7pm at the Bevis Funeral Home. Rocky Bevis and Jessie Hill of Bevis Funeral Home are assisting the Froemke family with arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193) The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please donate in honor of Philip to the charity of your choosing.

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Philip Lawrence Froemke

May 28, 1950 - December 18, 2025