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Frank Affannato Obituary

Frank E. Affannato

Des Moines

Frank E. Affannato, 76, died March 24, 2014. Frank was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 14, 1937, to Frank and Myrtle Weber Affannato. He grew up in Somerdale, NJ. He served for two years in the US Army and came to Iowa in 1962 to further his education. He earned a BS from Graceland College, Lamoni, IA and a MS and PhD from the University of Iowa. Frank was an Associate Professor Emeritus of Education at Buena Vista College, Storm Lake, IA, and taught science at Lamoni High School for 11 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Kellerton, IA, Lamoni City Council, the Neighborhood Revitalization Board, and Drake Park Neighborhood Association in Des Moines, as well as the International Lion's Club.

Frank is survived by his wife of 26 years, Cyndi Chen; brother, Louis Affannato of Philadelphia and two sisters, Marie Potosky of Willow Grove, PA, and Beth Dipple of Hazelton, PA.

Frank would not want anyone to be sad about his death - just remember all of the good times.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Des Moines Host Lions Club Foundation, 2513 Ridgewood Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50265.

Published by the Des Moines Register on Mar. 25, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for Frank Affannato

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Dear Cyndi,

Please accept our condolences for the loss of your husband. You are in our thoughts.

See you at the CI board meeting this Thursday.

Warmly,
Chuanren

April 20, 2014

Xi Ma

April 20, 2014

Dear Cindy, I am very sad to learn that Frank is no longer with us. A loving, humorous and knowledgeable man comes vivid to my mind. I missed my time with you and Frank during my days in Buena Vista College back in 1989. I still remember the first time I was led to play Domino and UNO in your house... It was a great pity I missed the chance to talk with Frank in his last days when I was on a overseas visit. I pray for Frank, well settle and enjoy his time in Heaven. Condolence Regards from Julie

Julie Huilin Qiu

April 10, 2014

Dear Cyndi, I am sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed always smiling and encouraging. He honked and waved to me not long before his death as he drove by my house.

Mary Blair

April 4, 2014

Dear Cindi, I am really sorry for the loss of Frank, which is also a loss for the entire community. He did amazing things for so many in a quiet but very dedicated way. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope you will find solace knowing that he was respected and appreciated as much as you are. You both exemplified the way of how wonderful a true partnership between husband and wife can be. God bless you always!

Sandra Sanchez

April 3, 2014

Dear Cyndi,
Although Frank would not want anyone to be sad about his death, I was very sad and cried and cried… It was a huge loss. Frank was a beautiful human being and a very special person in my personal and family life. Thank you Cyndi for letting me know when Frank was dying. I treasured my last conversation with Frank. His humor at time of dying convinced me that he had fully accepted his death. He told me he had no pain but preferred not to have his 77 birthday. I was so surprised that his mind was so clear - he remembered all the very details of our happy time in Iowa – this was just few days before his death. I was convinced that he would peacefully walk through his final journey with his wife's company at home. Thank you so much Cyndi for your love to Frank. You and Frank will always be in my heart. My condolence to Frank's family.

Douglas Zhu

April 1, 2014

Frank was one of the friendliest, kindest men I had the opportunity to know. He dearly loved Cindy and wanted everyone to know it. My thoughts are with you Cindy.

Carol Brown

April 1, 2014

We knew Frank through Cindi. First impression I got about Frank was that he is extremely knowledgeable about almost anything, but somewhat intimidating because his size. However the truth is that he is quite personable and also very passionate in helping others. I feel the loss that I did not have a chance to know him more. My condolence to Frank's family, and especially to Cindi.

Jc & Sherry Lin

March 30, 2014

A good man and an excellent teacher. He was a fun part of my life years ago!

Terry Dennis

March 29, 2014

You're a good man Frank. Thanks for the great conversations way back in Smith Hall.

Mike Ahrens

March 28, 2014

Dear Cindy, we are so sorry of your loss. We'll remember Frank as a kind and gentle man. We'll miss him. Our prayer and thoughts are with you.

March 27, 2014

Farewell Frank, you will be missed.

Alejandro Orozco

March 27, 2014

I always liked his quiet humor. I 'll miss humorous.

George Belken

March 26, 2014

Dear Cyndi,
I had the pleasure of visiting with Frank a couple of weeks ago, and I am so saddened by his passing. He was such a gentle man. Peace be with you, my friend.
Julie Haggerty

Julie Haggerty

March 26, 2014

Frank brought joy to my life for 50 years. He insisted on honesty and courage in facing life as it is. He always found humor even in the darkest times. I couldn't have had a more devoted friend.

Gary Smith

March 26, 2014

Frank is such a wonderful man - I still remember he helped us to raise fund for Wenchuan earth quake relief. He will be missed! Cyndi - Be strong and we will pray for you.

Yongsheng Xu

March 26, 2014

Dear Cyndi,

We are so sorry for your loss! We are sure going to miss Frank! May God bless him and strengthen you!!!

Grace Guo

March 25, 2014

Mr. Affannato was a wonderful teacher. I will always remember his stories that he told in our biology class at Lamoni back in 1971. I will think of him fondly.

March 25, 2014

Dear friend, Cyndi, We are so sorry for your loss. We talk so often about our years at BVU with you two and how much fun we always had. Let us know if there is anything we can do to make these days easier and know that our home is always open to you. Love, MaryAnne and Charles Slagle

MaryAnne Slagle

March 25, 2014

Frank and Cyndi were always good-natured and helpful whenever we associated with them. He was a great guy to know!

Kent Lehs

March 25, 2014

Frank was a very wise, kind and generous man, and probably the best friend a person could ask for. He enjoyed life and loved to laugh and to make others laugh with him.

Bill Cappuccio

March 25, 2014

Dear Frank we are happy to be you and Cyndi's friend. We have shared lovely moments together. Little Ingrid always remembered "Frank is mine!"

Shari, Ben, Ingrid and Douglas

March 25, 2014

R.I.P. dear Frank

Hsinyun

March 25, 2014

Dear Cyndi and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy.

Jacqueline Stoken

March 25, 2014

Frank was a very close friend of ours. We will miss him for a long time.

Neal Spence

March 25, 2014

Frank was a great teacher and we will miss his wise advises.

suning cao

March 25, 2014

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