Frank J. Pantano, age 65, of Boston, died suddenly, Sunday, December 20, 2020, at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

The family and friends of Frank J. Pantano give thanks for his 65 years of life. Born in Quincy, on June 18, 1955, Frank was the oldest sibling rooted in a large loving family, fun, generous of spirit and rich in faith. He had a passion for travel and was fortunate to have seen a large part of the world. His biggest passion was teaching, having spent over 40 years providing education and support to many students who would have been left behind had Frank not gone the extra distance to help them. Such was his involvement in the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) where he served tirelessly to ensure that students had a safe and supportive experience.

He was preceded in death by his husband of 37 years, Edward M. Conroy. They spent their time between their Dwight Street and Provincetown homes. From there he lived to serve others and was always raising his hand to volunteer. He was truly an exemplar of his generation, always willing to do his duty, and never counting the cost.

Frank was a true friend, the kind of friend who was there when he was needed most. Over the course of his life, he had amassed a beautiful and large circle of friendships, including colleagues from the Boston School System, his South End neighbors and friends, and an enormous circle of close friends in Provincetown. Frank also established connections all around the world through his frequent travels within our country, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico and most recently, Colombia, where he met Edwin Barranco, the second love of his life.

He was a wonderful cook and it brought him great joy to gather his friends and family to share a meal that he had prepared. He was the one who connected all sides of his family and all his groups of friends. A walk through town with Frank was an experience. He knew everyone and took the time to see how they were all doing. He made everyone smile, laugh, and know they had someone to turn to if they ever needed help.

Frank loved gardening and kept his property like a botanical garden. At his frequent outdoor dinners, friends and family admired his flowers and lawn, and the sheer beauty of his Bradford Street home.

Travel was a major part of his life, as a student, a tour guide, during the years Eddie worked for Sabena and of course, ten years at Cape Air. This allowed him to travel more of the world and bestow his personality in all he met. In addition to all his air miles Frank’s smaller journeys via car to and from Boston, sometimes multiple times per week, his zipping around on his Vespa, and his constant walks down the length of Commercial Street meant he was always on the go, in the know, and always connecting with people. Incredibly, for someone who travelled as often as Frank did, he was always right there, in person, whenever you needed him.

Frank was a force of nature, never allergic to hard work and to the very end kept on keeping on. We are incredibly grateful for his witness, his indominable spirit, and his love so freely shared. Frank is survived by his siblings Jack, Paul, and Janice.

Given the limitations of these times and winter, a liturgy in celebration of his life will take place in the summer. A scholarship will also be established in his name for future teachers to carry on his legacy. In the meantime, we ask for your prayers and remembrances for our dear brother, partner, friend, and colleague.