William A. Frankonis Jr.

I have not seen Bill for many years but have always remembered him fondly and with a great deal of respect. I recall very distinctly that when I first arrived at Empire State College and hadn’t any idea what hiring on as “Mentor/Professor” was really supposed to mean, Bill had struck me as the person who most embodied the ideals of that role. Now 36 years later, I still believe in the accuracy of that impression. It was a real privilege to have known him.

Bill Frankonis was one of the pioneering faculty of Empire State College, who helped shape our institution and our imagineation in many creative ways. We who knew him as a colleague send our fond tribute and deepest regrets.

Bill Frankonis was one of the first people I met when we started Albany State in the Fall of 1956.
After we exchanged our respective roommates, i became his "roomy."
That fall, with Bill's help, I converted to Catholicism and he became my Godfather.
He used to write a weekly column for the "State College News" and I
would go over it with him before he
submitted it. His wit and sarcasm were always interlaced with the facts. He became well known on campus -- and popular,...

Kit,
I saw this in the paper and was very sorry to hear the news. I remember your dad as a very kind person. My thoughts and sympathies go out to you.
Jim

Elaine, Melissa, and Kit;

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill/your dad. He was a real gentleman, even to strangers (like myself) outside the family. I recall him once showing me star constellations through a telescope at the house in Schodack. Being from Framingham, I had something in common with him: the Bosox. I'm really glad that he was able to see them win in '04 and again in '07. I'm also glad that you have one another during this tough time. My best to all of you. ...

All of us who knew Bill, worked with him or were inspired by his achievements will greatly miss his dedication to his art, to his friends and to his community.
It was a pleasure to have known him.

My thoughts go out to everyone who knew Bill.... He was able to put a smile on your face no matter how awful you were feeling......
A truly inspiring man who will never be forgotten.....