FRANCIS BANTON

Mr. Banton was my English teacher in 1999 and 2000. He was my favorite teacher, he encouraged me, and he believed in me. He was also just cool - we all thought so. And if we were able to cajole him just right, he´d do the Chiquita Banana song for us. I will always remember Mr. Banton with gratitude, and am so sad to hear of his passing.

Was just thinking of you yesterday, Paco. The forever inspiration. Your spirit is resilient. - Anita, Dani and Ceci.

A teacher I was talking to the other day told me that if there ever was a teacher who had inspired me in some way I should get in touch and let them know I was grateful to them, as they'd be sure to appreciate it. I'm truly sorry that advice came a year too late. Mr. Banton was my English teacher for one year in the late 70s, in either M1 or M2. I remember the fun we had reading Jabberwocky and coming up with our own definitions of 'brillig' and 'uffish,' and I will always be in his debt for...

During the meetings of his wonderful creative writing group for UNIS staff, Frank inspired us as he must have inspired generations of students over the years. He did manage to "create that little bit of magic" at the time and encouraged us to continue his legacy. My sympathies to his family and friends at his loss.

Sending much sympathy to Frank's family at this time of need. Frank and I were good friends during our youth. We lived fairly close to one another and attended St. Raymond's school and went on to Fordham Prep. Frank attended Notre Dame and I continued on at Fordham College. Frank attended Fordham Prep's 50th Anniversary reunion and my wife and I spent considerable time with him catching up. I was delighted to read all the letters and comments in his obituary from his students and...

I looked forward to Frank’s weekly writing group meetings at UNiS. He inspired all of us to access our memories and creative ideas with his humor and the unrestrained imagination for which his students had always appreciated him. His spirit remained with me over the years encouraging me to continue writing. Thank you Frank!
Judy Abrams

I joined the English Dept at UNIS in the fall of 1978 after teaching and working in German for 6 years. Frank was already the alpha male of the group, and remained so for my UNIS career. He was an avid Yankee fan, and when the Detroit Tigers (my hometown team) went 35-5 to start the 1984 season, he finally admitted they had a good team. That might be the only dispute with him where I came out on top. I admired his talent and his devotion to students. God bless him and his family.

Frank Banton's English classes remain some of my most vivid memories of my UNIS years. He challenged us to really read and think and understand language and poetry, and always treated everyone's views with respect - we felt like equals and collaborators as we studied, a great gift to us as we grew into young adults. His wry and disarming humour made him approachable, so we weren't afraid to voice our thoughts. One of the great teachers! We will miss you Mr Banton.