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Francis Balboni Obituary
Frank, as he was affectionately known, was born in Wellesley, Mass., in 1921. He served in World War II in the Army Air Corps in the South Pacific, after which he attended the Rhode Island School of Design to pursue his love of art. He was an art teacher in several southeastern Connecticut schools until he settled into his long term position as art teacher at East Lyme High School.
Frank and his wife, Trudy, made their home in Old Lyme, where they raised their family and both were active in many organizations. Frank, in particular, enjoyed being part of the Lions Club, the VFW, the Old Lyme Grange, and the Old Lyme Estuary Council of Seniors, as well as being an active member of Christ the King Church.
Frank's passion for the arts expressed itself through his many paintings, drawings, sculptures, pottery pieces, and photos, and he often showed his art and taught at summer camps and private classes. In addition to art, Frank's other interests included bowling and crossword puzzles. His favorite, a passion for gardening, led him to obtain another degree in horticulture after his retirement from teaching, and he became an amateur horticulturalist.
An avid learner, reader, and collector, Frank amassed books, plants, and artifacts from all over the world. He never lost his curiosity and embraced his recent move to Virginia by immersing himself in their local history and natural environment.
Frank was predeceased by his wife, Trudy, and is survived by his sister, Louise Balboni Campana of Henniker, N.H.; his son, Curtis Balboni and wife, Jacqueline, of Harlow, England; daughter, Gretchen Balboni Bonanno and husband, Peter, of Manassas, Va.; and grandchildren, Sophie Balboni of England and Kathryn and Thomas Bonanno of Virginia; as well as many nieces and nephews; extended family members, and a great many friends, all of them beloved.
A memorial for Frank is planned at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014, at Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371, followed by a reception for all family and friends who wish to attend, visit, and reminisce.
Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Old Lyme, is handling the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis Balboni
Suzanne Cutler
August 2, 2025
So many fond memories of Mr. Balboni. Rest in peace my friend and teacher.
Jim Dwire, '70
July 8, 2024
It's only 10 years after his death that I found this notice of his passing. Encouraging, engaged with students, and inspirational. We will all miss anybody with these qualities. Always the pre-eminate art teacher during high school.
Suzanne E Cutler
August 3, 2023
Mr. Balboni was such a understanding and stellar teacher of the arts. I learned so much from him. It's hard to believe its been 9 years since his passing. He was more than a teacher, he was a friend. Miss your laugh. Your encouragements were a base for my future arts and crafts endeavors. I am so lucky to have had you as a teacher and a friend, and to have met Curtis and Gretchen. Rest in Peace
wayne dobson
August 14, 2014
Mr Balboni was non judgmental , open minded and full of enthusiasm and believed that Art could enrich lives. In the late 70s his Art class was about the only class where I was quiet and at peace . Little did I know that fifteen years later I would be living the life of an Artist in NYC. RIP
barbara Roberts
August 11, 2014
It was fun and interesting to teach with Frank. May he rest in peace ! Barbara Knopf Roberts
August 11, 2014
I have very fond memories of Frank. We bowled on the same team, worked at East Lyme HS (I was a secretary there) together, and shared the same birthday (December 4). Good times remembered! Nancy Ripley
Suzanne Cutler
August 10, 2014
You lit my life with forever memories! Rest in Pease now...
Suzie
Marie Mckeon
August 10, 2014
Condolences Gretchen, I remember him as such a nice man.
August 10, 2014
A true definition of a friend and mentor: Mr. Balboni (he hated me calling him that ~ "just call me Frank, I'm not your teacher anymore"). I will truly miss you and our chats throughout the years at the country store. You're wisdom and love of art has, and always will be, instilled in my everyday part of life. Rest in Peace my friend,and paint the heavens in beautiful colors. Thank you for all you've done for me and your trust and loyalty. Suzanne (Suzie) Cutler
August 10, 2014
With Deepest Sympathy to the Family,
The Officers and Members of the 4th District Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
August 9, 2014
Great guy lot's of laughs the only art class I can remember! Old Frank sure had a great time - rest in peace and god bless you and your family.
Bill Zorzanello
August 9, 2014
Mr. Balboni, you were a true gentleman. - a shining example of the best of humanity and a great teacher and role model for many students. Thank you for all you did. Rest in peace, you have certainly earned it.
Karen Condike Cullinen
August 8, 2014
Mr. "B" truly was a rare teacher who connected easily with his high school students. He was a natural! He offered encouragement, words of wisdom, and a kindness I will always remember. Thank you for such warm memories.
Peter Meitzler
August 8, 2014
Just yesterday I was telling a good friend of mine about you and the faith you had in my talents and the encouragement you gave me that I still carry with me daily. You were an inspiration and one of only a few teachers I ever had who I still speak of with great fondness. Thank you for everything.
Persephone Galligan
August 8, 2014
I was a student in Mr. Balboni's Crafts class at East Lyme High School. Because of his encouragement and unique teaching style, I was lucky enough to gain the confidence and skills to open up my own pottery business. I will never forget you, Mr. Balboni.
Kathy Howard
August 8, 2014
I will never forget the wonderful times we had in art class. You were truly an inspiration to so many students. I will miss you.
Pam Corse/Sosnowski
August 8, 2014
Thank You Mr. Balboni for all you did for all of us at E.L.schools & everyone that you taught. We all learned so much more than just art from you.; We learned to be nice to others & to help those that needed it. Travel well on your journey home.
Jim Gillis
August 8, 2014
May God bless you and hold you in his hands. You were an incredible inspiration to so many
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