Frank George Easterly

Frank George Easterly passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Santa Cruz, California following complications from a surgical procedure.

Frank was born to Frank George Easterly, Sr and Irene Qulia Easterly on July 24, 1947, in Syracuse, New York. As the youngest of four children, and the only boy in the family, Frank was doted on by his mom and three older sisters, Carol Schell, June Casey, and Diane Buckley. Their protective nature, however, was not always appreciated by Frank, as one of his daily rituals was secretly removing and then hiding the bulky winter galoshes his mom forced him to wear. Despite the outsized attention he received, Frank developed a reputation from an early age for being kind, sweet, and deeply thoughtful.

Frank attended St. John the Baptist school in Syracuse, NY from elementary school through high school graduation in 1965. It was there that he developed deep relationships that would last more than 60 years. Much like his father, Frank excelled at school, but his interests outside of the curriculum captured his efforts equally. He balanced his studies with organized sports, including baseball and bowling, and spent many hours playing whiffle ball, basketball, pool and handball with his friends who became known as the Baptist Boys. In addition to academics and sports, Frank and his friends would spend their time listening to comedy albums and singing along to all forms of music, including show tunes. His love and talent for singing followed him in all aspects of his life. He would sing solo at Catholic mass, sing at local events, entertain his friends, including a stirring tabletop rendition of “Shake It Up Baby”. He brought his love of music and singing to the elderly and ill to soothe their pain and ease their loneliness. Frank had a way of being present with people so that they felt truly cared for.

After the death of his mother in his senior year of high school, Frank decided to enter the Catholic Seminary. He attended and completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Wadham’s Hall in Ogdensburg, NY in 1969, and continued his graduate studies completing a Master’s Degree at St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester, NY in 1972. Frank then applied for an internship in a hospital in California and took a leave from the Seminary. During his time in California Frank became stronger in his belief that he was meant to marry and have a family. It was in California that he met and eventually married Gloria Nelson. They had three children together, Shannon, Joshua and Aaron. Frank became Chair of Religious Studies at San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, California and eventually became Vice Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Fresno. In parenting, as in all of his relationships, Frank combined love, silliness, wisdom and patience.

In 1987, he married Loreen Tweedy Behrens, and became the loving stepfather to her two sons, Jeff and Kevin. Frank felt his family was complete. He brought his love of play, games, music and singing to his family. He built basketball and volleyball courts at their home, and there were lively games each week. But it wasn’t the activities he enjoyed with his family that will be most remembered, it was his ability to find endless entertainment in the simple moments of life. Whether it was his not-so-impressive magic tricks accompanied by music of his own creation, or a risqué play on words in a familiar song, he would often be the first and loudest to laugh. He had a way of making others smile and putting them at ease. Visiting friends of his children would often comment on the fun and openness that permeated the house. And for those interested, Frank would share his reflections on philosophy and spirituality. In his backyard, he proudly displayed his statues of St. Francis of Assisi and Budai (the Laughing Buddha).

As demands of a much larger family evolved, Frank found success in managing regional alarm companies. His humor, affability and profound ability to connect with people became key assets in his new career. His intellectual curiosity and passion for lifelong learning persisted as well. While balancing the demands of careers and raising five teenagers, Frank and Loreen completed their coursework for Doctorates in Counseling and Educational Psychology, and in 1999 they moved to Aptos, California where Frank continued his career in the alarm industry.

After his retirement he fulfilled a dream of owning two local pizza and wine bars. For Frank it was less about the business and more about creating a place where people could make meaningful personal connections and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

Frank’s final career combined his love for children and service. He completed coursework for Certification in Chaplaincy which lead to a part-time chaplain position at Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera/Fresno California. When children and their family’s confronted scary illnesses or life-altering changes, Frank made sure they would not face those circumstances alone.

In the last 10 years of his life, Frank’s time was increasingly spent as a dedicated grandparent and carer for those in need. His capacity for love and human connection was nearly limitless. He was a student of religion and philosophy a champion of lifelong learning, a counselor and teacher. It was, however, his genuine care for others that was his hallmark. His goofiness and good nature allowed him to create deep and long lasting relationships that were never limited by blood, education or class, and his genuine care and ability to connect with people on their level always made for a safe place where they felt seen and accepted. When people needed a friend, he would be one. When they needed an advisor, he would counsel. When people confronted difficult or painful situations, he would let them know they were not alone. While he had many successes and talents, it was ultimately the size of his heart that meant the most to people.

He will be greatly missed by his family he leaves behind. His wife, Loreen, his children Shannon, Josh, Aaron, Jeff and Kevin, and his 9 grandchildren, Kyla, Aiden, Maddie, Zach, Mia, Jax, Luisa, Quinn and Harlow. Frank was lovingly looking forward to his 10th grandchild who is arriving in December, and we know he will be watching over her. Two of Frank’s sisters, June and Diane, both residing in New York, will continue to carry on the loving stories about their perfect little brother. There are numerous nieces and nephews (too many to list) living in New York, Florida and California, who will lovingly remember their Uncle Frank.

If you wish to attend the Celebration of Life, please RSVP by November 15th, to [email protected]

Friends and family are invited to send brief videotaped stories or remembrances of Frank to be included in a video montage that will be shared. Please send video clips by November 15, to [email protected]