THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, September 25, 1996 TAG: 9609240140
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: 55 lines
If all monarchs were as politic as this year's King Neptune, the Thirty Years' War would have been over in 30 minutes and the colonies would never have had to foster a revolution against Mad King George.
When Tom Frantz answers that he would change ``nothing'' about his spouse, or that there are ``too many great restaurants in Virginia Beach to choose just one,'' it's clear that the ceremonial lord of the 1996 Neptune Festival is a man who knows how to steer his boat clear of stormy waters.
So here's King Neptune, up close and personal - but like his mythical namesake, he's a monarch who doesn't yield his secrets easily.
Full name: Thomas Richard Frantz.
Hometown: Waynesboro, Pa.
What brought you to the Beach? Employment.
Birthdate: Sept. 10, 1947.
Occupation: Attorney; partner with Clark and Stant.
Nickname: Tom.
Marital status: Married to Dianne.
Children: Three: Ricky, 15; Lindsey, 10; and Elissa, 7. All attend Cape Henry Collegiate School.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Golf, beach or boat with the family, dinner out.
Last smart thing you did: That's protected by attorney/client privilege.
Last dumb thing you did: Worked out without warming up properly.
Favorite meal: Tuna, pasta, Caesar salad.
Favorite movies: ``Braveheart.''
Favorite song: ``Rocky Top.''
Last book read: ``The Enemy Within,'' by Larry Bond.
Hobbies: Golf, running, swimming.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I'd have better knees.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Nothing.
Secret vice: Ice cream.
Favorite restaurant: There are too many great restaurants in the Beach to pick just one.
Your favorite night on the town: There are so many great things to do in Virginia Beach, it's impossible to pick one.
Favorite TV shows: Redskins games.
Favorite sport: Golf to play; soccer and basketball to watch, particularly our children's games.
Last vacation: Family Resort in Jamaica.
Pets: Cocker spaniel named Tazzy.
Worst job: Boot camp, and cleaning out engine blocks at the beginning of the assembly line at Mack trucks.
Of what achievements are you most proud? My family.
What would you like as your epitaph? ``He lived a long time.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MORT FRYMAN by CNB