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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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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