Francis John “Frank” Mercogliano, 78, of Palm City, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on November 27, 2020.
Frank was born on July 5, 1942, in the Bronx, New York. He was a lifelong educator who devoted his career to the service of children. He retired from the New York City Board of Education after 33 years, and is remembered as a dedicated and inspiring public school teacher, administrator of special education, and professor of education. Never one to take it easy for long, Frank went on to a second distinguished career, serving for many years as a site director for the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation of New York.
Frank was not only a teacher, but a lifelong learner. His insatiable intellectual curiosity made him a lover of history and an unbeatable force at any Jeopardy game or trivia night. He spent years perfecting his legendary “Chicken a la Frank” and Sunday gravy recipes, much to the delight of all who partook of them. Always active in mind and body, Frank picked up tennis, pickleball, and golf in his 70s. He spent his final years traveling the world with his wife, Fanny, and enjoying the sunny Florida beaches. His full life will always remind us to never stop giving, never stop learning, and never stop loving.
Frank is survived by Fanny Hernandez, his devoted wife and best friend of 14 years. He is also survived by his many children and grandchildren, of whom he was very proud: his son Frank and his wife Susan, and their children Spencer, Mason, and Madison; his daughter Maryanne and her children Alyssa and Anthony; his daughter Darlene and her son Christopher; his daughter Kathleen and her husband Joseph; and his daughter Laura and her husband Christian. He is also survived by his brother Ralph, nephews, cousins, and a host of extended family members and friends. Frank was a loving father, husband, grandfather, brother, friend, and teacher to all.
Funeral services for Frank will be at Holy Family Catholic Church in New Rochelle, New York on Friday, December 4th at 10:30 AM (virtual live stream of the service will also be offered). He will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY.
