Frank R. Papalia

My heart aches knowing such a beautiful soul is no longer with us. Yet, I cannot imagine Senior Papalia not enlightening the afterlife. He showed me how much a teacher could truly care. That and he was always so much fun. Learning with him was a highlight to me everyday. I haven't been his student since 1989 but I always thought of him and his inspirational words. I am now in my fifties and his words, his humor, and his heart stays with me. I even taught my children and now grandchildren what...

It breaks my heart to learn of Mr. Papalia's passing so long after the fact. He was such an inspirational part of my high school years, not only in Spanish but in life lessons. So much that consistently for nearly 35 years after my graduation I continued to exchange Christmas cards with him and Madeline. He will forever be etched in so many peoples memories as the best teacher we ever had. Frank you will be immensely missed and you were so loved. God Bless you. Sincerely, Rich Gapski, CNS...

Mr. Papalia...forever a part of my "growing up" years in Otisville, NY. Mr. Papalia was my Spanish teacher and my next-door neighbor. Over the years Mr. Papalia visited Otisville often to check on his landlady, Marge Bonanto. He was a kind and gentle soul who made learning FUN. Mr. Papalia attended a couple of OHS alumni dinners and it was always the highlight of the evening to catch up with him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Papalia exemplified what it is to be a...

Great memories of living across the street from Frank and Madeline, 23 years ago. He gave us his pool and we used it just yesterday! Rest in Peace, Frank.

Wonderful teacher! He was my Spanish teacher many years ago. He was one to remember and impacted his students!

Dear Family of Mr. Papalia, I'm glad I went back through the message because I see mine is not there. Both of my children, John and Ellyn Gibbs, now young adults, often had Mr. Papalia as a substitute teacher. They adored him. They always came home with amusing stories, fun facts learned during class, and bubbling over from the energy Mr. Papalia infused into every lesson. Of course not to forget the candy! What a gifted teacher he was. My sympathies are with you.

I am saddened to learn of the passing of one of my favorite teachers at Cicero high school in the mid 1980s. I remember vividly being in Spanish class in my junior and senior year, as well as traveling to Spain in my senior year. Mr. Papalia was funny, engaging and allowed me to truly enjoy a subject that I had previously had some difficulty with. I have not looked at my pictures from Spain in over 35 years. Apparently I captured him resting for a few moments during one of our daily bus...

He was one of the best substitute teachers I ever had. He will truly be missed.

Across my career, I've often been asked who inspired me to be a teacher. My answer has always been the same; Frank Papalia. He saw something in me that I never saw in myself. He never let me wallow in my circumstances and gently called me out on all my excuses. Admittedly, I only applied to Syracuse University because he hounded me every single day. (Lovingly, of course). He encouraged me to dream of what could be and gave me a glimpse of a life beyond food stamps and poverty. A chance...