Roman, Francis A. “Frank”

SEMINOLE, FL- Frank A. Roman, 76, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2015 at Suncoast Hospice Care Center, Pinellas, Florida. Francis Andrew Roman was born in 1938 in Albany, New York, to Alexander and Frances (Kolakowska) Roman. He was one of 11 children, six boys and five girls. Frank graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in Albany. After high school, he entered Mater Christi Seminary, but decided to leave the seminary to pursue his passions, music and theatre. Frank moved to New York City and, while appearing several times on Broadway and television, he earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from New York University’s Steinhardt School of Education. He also studied at The Julliard School.

He served for 20 years as the Director of Music and Theatre Education at Aquinas High School, a private school for girls, in the Bronx, New York, where he directed and produced many musical productions. As a result of his work at Aquinas, he was given the National Music Teachers Award in February of 2002, presented to him at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. After retiring, he moved to Florida in 2007, where he lived until his passing. In retirement, he traveled throughout the United States, and to Europe and Israel to visit family and friends.

Frank was predeceased by his parents as well as his brothers, Anthony "Eddie" Roman and Rev. Paul Roman, and his sisters-in-law, Rose Roman and Marilyn Roman. He is survived by his brothers, John (Joyce) Roman of Watervliet, George Roman of Hollywood, FL, and Charles Roman of Mount Pleasant, SC; as well as his sisters, Mary Zwink of Colonie, Sister Barbara Roman, RSM of Albany, Irene Roman of Delmar, Frances (Richard) Egan of Albany and Paulette Roman of Albany. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.

The Roman family wishes to thank the staff of Suncoast Hospice Care Center for their compassionate care of Frank during his illness.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Monday, January 26, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Convent of Mercy Chapel, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany. If desired, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Frank’s memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy Albany Community, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany