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FRANCIS BANTON Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for FRANCIS BANTON
Ipek
April 12, 2025
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.
Ana Deferrari
October 13, 2022
Was just thinking of you yesterday, Paco. The forever inspiration. Your spirit is resilient. - Anita, Dani and Ceci.
Artur Zapalowski
December 28, 2021
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 teaching me words like omphaloskepsis and macrostomatous, not to mention palindrome (Otto). It was exciting going through reference books in the UNIS library in seach of definitions of obscure slang terms like 'motorman's glove' (a tough porkchop, apparently) for an assignment he gave us. If teaching was indeed his way of writing poetry, I feel privileged to have been one of the hundreds (thousands?) of kids who were part of that poem.
Judy Abrams
October 13, 2021
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.
John Winton Murphy
December 20, 2020
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 concluded that Frank was respected, loved and extremely successful. God bless all, John Winton Murphy
Judy abrams
October 26, 2020
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
Brian Preston
October 25, 2020
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.
Ian Fox
October 24, 2020
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.
Cecilia Luvecce Rouvrais
October 23, 2020
Frank Banton - UNIS 2011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXF9w6M5P6s
Bridget LeRoy
October 22, 2020
You must remember this, a kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh....
Will always remember you, Mr. Banton. Damon Runyon once said, you can keep your things of bronze and stone and give me one man to remember me once a year. If that’s the case, you will live on in perpetuity.
With thanks,
Bridget LeRoy
Joe Fenn
October 22, 2020
we all had a voice with Mr.Banton .
The cool, bohemian carriage and classic attire of brown turtleneck with cream corduroy jeans and professorial suede jacket with elbow guards and mischievous smile will always be remembered
Malick Cisse
October 22, 2020
Mr Banton was my first English teacher at UNIS. I joined his class once I graduated from the ESL program 1 year after arriving to the United States with a stutter and a limited understanding of the language.
A few months into the first semester, I wrote a poem for an assignment and a few days later, as I was leaving class , he pulled me to the side and told me how much he enjoyed reading it. I'll never forget that moment. He gave me so much confidence in my writing and inspired me to read and write more than I ever had before.
Three years later, my Jr year also known as T3, he named me co-editor in chief of the Lit mag where I published the poem that started it all.
"Thank you" doesn't come close to capturing my gratitude.
Rest in Peace Sir.
Timur Friedman
October 22, 2020
When the news of Mister Banton's death was shared on the UNIS Class of 1982's Facebook group, there was an outpouring of grief, accompanied by testimonies to the impact that he had on us as a teacher, and reminiscences of him as a person. Students from the class and friends from nearby classes have gathered a donation for 250 trees to be planted in his memory.
Cecilia Luvecce Rouvrais
October 22, 2020
October 22
My sincere condolences to the Banton family, and my deepest gratitude for a wonderful teacher and human being.
Thank you for your presence, Mr Banton: for all you taught me, in writing, literature, and about life.. and the magic you did it with.
Thank you to all you that have shared in this beautiful obituary.
Cecilia Luveccce Rouvrais
Cecilia Luvecce Rouvrais
October 22, 2020
Annabella Piche
October 21, 2020
My deepest condolences. It was our privilege to have Mr. Banton as our teacher, friend. He was all heart and soul.
David Cisek
October 21, 2020
I don't remember when Frank retired, but from '91 until he retired, Frank and I were an ad hoc team of mischief, entertainment, and inspiration--I'll never forget our send off of Director Joseph Blainey, or our celebration of Ray Taylor's birthday (--or was it tenure?); mounting shows for Valentine's Day (with Pat Doyle, and Ray Taylor; Pat and Geoff's surprise mock wedding, as well as the serendipitous improvisations at staff meetings and elsewhere. Our emphasis on content was different but our styles bore comparison: the kids were the motive. Either of us could wind up in the other's classroom during a lesson, either to supplement or contend over a point of the material. We talked cinema and music a lot, and took in movies at Lincoln Center; and even after he retired we met for lunches at Manga on 57th. Frank, to me, was like an older brother--or, as we once performed, Bogart to my Woody Allen. Frank is a whole chapter in my book. We fell out of contact over the last couple of years but not out of thought. I spent 25 years at UNIS, and wouldn't be able to talk about it without talking about Frank and me. Hasta la vista, old buddy.
Nicole Legnani
October 21, 2020
It’s difficult to put into words just how much the news of Mr Banton’s passing pains me. He was a mentor and a friend; he recognized the creative impulse in me and nurtured it from the very first day of English in Tut 2. He knew that my mother tongue was Spanish and smiled with complicity when I sometimes swore under my breath. (This led him to tell a story in class once about his encounter with a pendejo.) He also encouraged me to learn how to read gallego so that I could recite one of García Lorca’s Six Galician Poems in class. (I can still recite it by heart.) He had a beautiful voice, gravelly and deep, but so warm. His voice reading poetry aloud, and his guided close readings, guide me still. He knew when to challenge me, but also when I just needed a hug and words of reassurance. In short, wonderful, a legend, an extraordinary thinker and teacher. I hope to one day achieve but a modicum of his greatness as a teacher, mentor and poet. Mr. Banton, yo y tus tantos otros estudiantes de UNIS te dejaremos la ventana abierta, siempre. Con mi más sentido pésame a su familia, Nicole Legnani, UNIS ‘98
Fabiola Santos-Gaerlan
October 21, 2020
Fresh from the Philippines, with all my love for English reading and writing deep inside, Mr Banton slowly uncovered the poet inside me. He patiently read through my attempts at poetry and essays and commented and helped me become a sincere, passionate and creative writer. I will be forever be in his debt because writing has become an important part of who I am and how I stay authentic. You are always in my heart Mr Banton.
Fabiola Santos-Gaerlan
Student 1979
ELke H Bergholz
October 21, 2020
My Condolences to his family.
I appreciated about Frank that he always spoke his mind during faculty meetings and that no word was ever wasted. I also loved his sense of humor and capacity for spontaneity: I will never forget when he and David Cisek walked like penguins across the room - wishing me bon voyage on my first trip to Antarctica in 1998 - " to the place of imagination" - and as he said .
After his retirement - I often saw him reading at Wave Hill, Riverdale, Bronx , greeting me " The Bronx is the best" !!
Thank you, Frank, for all the inspiring conversations- and I will great you from afar next time I am at Wave Hill !!
.
Elke Bergholz
coworker
Steve Orr
October 20, 2020
My love of language and literature can be traced to classes with Mr. Banton, when he would read a passage, close his eyes briefly, and let the writing sink in, as though he was sipping a fine wine. I never read the passage “.. the straw seats of the car hovered on the edge of combustion..” in “The Great Gatsby” without thinking of him.
Farewell and thank you so much Mr. Banton. You were a star.
Steve Orr UNIS ‘79
Steven Ekstract
October 20, 2020
Brilliant, funny, kind, charismatic and a quintessential New Yorker, Mr Banton easily engaged a very disconnected student. His love of literature was highly contagious and I was a fortunate recipient. Thank you Mr Banton. Because of you, and the other incredible English teachers at UNIS, I have a very rewarding career writing. Every morning, when I start writing, I follow your direction....just write what comes to mind. Your spirit lives on in all of us that you touched so deeply. I know you are still here with us, in our collective unconscious.
Steven Ekstract ‘76
Philip Buch
October 20, 2020
“It was 35 years ago when I walked into Mr. Banton’s English class, and I just knew that this guy was special, and I just knew that I was one lucky student to have him as my teacher. I appreciated his sense of humor, and I knew he always had my back, and he encouraged me to write, and do my best in his class.
It was 35 years ago, and I remember him vividly. He has had a huge influence on me. He was a big sports fan; he especially loved boxing, and we’d talk a lot about Mike Tyson. He was more than a teacher; he was a friend. He was smart and funny, OG, the ultimate cool dude!
R.I.P. Mr. B
-Philip Buch
Class of ‘87
Lena Golze Desmond
October 20, 2020
I talked with a group of friends from my year last night, after we heard the news: each of us had such a clear memory of Mr. Banton, something he did or said that we still remember clearly and impacted us. How many of us can say the same?
Mr. Banton helped me de-purple some of more flowery prose, and (as a lawyer) I'm eternally grateful. Still, I cannot help but end with the end of one of the books we read in his class, as it has always stayed with me: "Old Father, old artificer - stand me know and ever in good stead."
Thank you, Mr. Banton.
Celia Hartmann '74
October 20, 2020
My condolences to the Banton family from a very grateful student.
In his IBH English class, he armed me with the twin weapons of organization and passion as I grew into an informed reader and a confident writer. His introduction to TS Eliot was transformative. He was funny, wry, wickedly perceptive, and always loving and supportive. I think of him often, and thank him always for the gift of his friendship.
Jonathan Kaskel
October 20, 2020
Mr. Banton was a great teacher, integral to UNIS. We go back to the opening of the new building. I remember his fondness for Kazantzakis -
As Zorba himself says of death: “Act as if death did not exist, and act with death in mind at every moment”
Chris Boothroyd
October 20, 2020
I had the pleasure of appointing Frank to the UNIS English Department in 1972 – probably the easiest decision ever – and of working with him for the next immensely happy five years. Frank was an educator, not just a teacher: one who knew how to draw out the best in people, whether students or colleagues, how to stimulate and inspire, when to project his personality and when to stand back. A tremendous co-worker while adamantine in upholding his own values and beliefs, a creator as well as (in its best sense) a critic, Frank brought the sharpest intelligence and enormous perception to UNIS at a difficult time in its history. He leaves a wonderful legacy in the hearts and minds of so many people. What more could a teacher ask?
John Dewey
October 20, 2020
Beautiful obituary. What a wonderful life he has written. May his legacy shine through all those he has touched over the years.
Emily F.
October 20, 2020
As a student a UNIS and beyond in my later years, i can safely say that Mr. Banton was the best English teacher i ever had. I remember him speaking middle english when we read Canterbury Tales in the original language. He exposed us to so many wonderful authors, from Toni Morrison to Andre Malraux. He gave me and so many others a love of literature. Thanks you Mr. Banton. Rest in peace and love to your family.
Margarita Alarco
October 20, 2020
I still remember vividly the first day I met him and the last day we shared a smoke on the balcony of the teachers lounge at UNIS. I was 13 the first time, 29 the last.
I am now 56, and I can say that not a day goes by that his sly grin, crisp sense of humor, and teachings aren't part of my day.
Sleep tight dear "Tavarich", dasvidanya, for now.
Wakako Sugiyama-Arai
October 20, 2020
Rest In Peace...
I always adored your mysteriousness...
I will miss you.
Let me light em candles in thoughts of you.
We will miss you.
Walther Hetzer
October 20, 2020
I was tremendously fortunate to share so much with Frank, or "Paco" as Hilary Ainger and I used to call him. Team teaching an English/History class in what seems to me the magic learning environment of UNIS in the 70s was a true highlight of my life as a teacher; it earned us the accusation of spreading Marxist ideas from Pinochet's ambassador to the UN. Frank read his own poetry to me, or Neruda and Paz, made me aware of Bruno Schultz and Tillie Olsen. His love of literature seemed almost physical. He was equally fascinated with and attached to our students, a group always wide open to ideas, creative and adventurous. He loved listening to stories of travels but remained so rooted in NYC, in the Bronx. Walking together up to the Cloisters in the winter, to be welcomed by unicorn tapestries and Gregorian chants seemed just right. He was best man at my wedding. I never managed to convince him to try goat cheese. He was Interested in every corner of the world, fearless, honest, passionate. He had so much to give and his teaching still resonates today.
David Sibeko
October 20, 2020
First and foremost, my memories of Mr. Banton are that he was a classic New Yorker. Which was a great part of his appeal. As a learner in his class I appreciated his frankness (forgive the pun), and the lessons learned in and outside our syllabus. What I remember most is an anecdote that he told our class about our aspirations as students and career choices. This pearl of wisdom came about by Mr. Banton relating how he headed into college with a notion that he would become a scientist of sorts, and how that didn't work out academically. However, the silver lining in the story was that when he wrote his papers his professor pointed out how well they were written and that he might look at English as a course of study that would yield greater results. Mr Banton took that advice, and what the scientific community lost as a scientist was a boon for the legions of students that he would teach in the following years. Moral of the story ? The best laid plans....
Majid Tayyarah
October 20, 2020
Mr. Banton was very kind to me as a shy, awkward English learner in his class.
I was intimidated by the material but he had a way of distilling the essence of what we were reading. I reread many of the books later in life and realized their lessons like The Crucible and others.
I remembered what he had said at the time. Although I didn’t fully understand his lessons, his delivery when he would walk around the classroom dressed in all black with few notes, relating everything from memory, was enough to make me realize I was in the presence of greatness. And later I understood. Thank you to Mr. Banton and Mr. Banton’s family.
Majid Tayyarah ‘89
Warwick Johnson
October 20, 2020
Frank was not only an inspiring teacher, he was also a great friend and mentor to us, his colleagues in the UNIS English department.
Violeta Villacorta
October 20, 2020
Mr. Banton was an original. He inspired me to look at things from different angles. I loved his energy and spirit. He loved to teach and inspire young lives to live and find magic. May he shine brightly among the stars
Ana Deferrari
October 19, 2020
There is so much to say from all of us you so endearingly coined The Deferrari tribe. We will continue listening more often to your tutolary spirit and say:
Rest
In
Poetry
We love you forever and a day, Paco.
Yours truly,
The Deferrari tribe
Ricardo da Silva
October 19, 2020
I will never forget Frank leading the cheers on the sidelines for the Boys Varsity Soccer Team during our matches in the fall season and how he approached me after my first year coaching at UNIS and made me feel so appreciated. It really was his way of making people around him feel good about themselves. His legendary wit and presence made him a teacher and a human being admired by all who had the opportunity to know him.
RIP Frank. Condolences to the family and to all who shared experiences with him.
Chaka Langevine Casey
October 19, 2020
Thank you Mr. Banton for the appreciation of the written word. Your enthusiasm left me hyped after each of your English classes whether it were Shakespeare or any renown others, too many to list at the moment. Although not a writer you influenced my appreciation for plays. You were a proud New Yorker. Rest Easy Mr. Banton and keep telling stories wherever you room..
Francesco
October 19, 2020
So very few people have made such an impression on my life. His teachings allowed me to enter the foreign service at 18. Ten years later I was trading steel in Switzerland and for the next 20 years I used Frank and all his lessons, one catholic boy to another... Carpe Diem! Thank you and God bless
Lisa Ferin
October 19, 2020
Mr. Banton was an unparalleled teacher. My college professors could not live up to the expectations I carried with me from UNIS. He has been an inspiration for me in both intellect and attitude for the last 4 decades and I am happy that I got to reconnect with him at one of our reunions. Condolences to all who loved him.
John Whitehouse
October 19, 2020
"I am Mr. Banton. First name Mister. Last name Banton."
"I grew up in the Bronx. A lot of people cross the Bronx."
Thank you for everything Mr. Banton. You are loved and missed by so many.
Kate Burton
October 19, 2020
I just loved him as a teacher and person. I shall never forget that face and his brilliant smile and his support of every single one of us at UNIS in the class of '75. I just came across a card he wrote to me the the other day....and it was perfection for the moment.... as he was. He was one of the smartest and funniest people I ever met. I will treasure him forever. RIP dear Mr Banton.
Helen (Uddoh) Matausch
October 19, 2020
So sad to hear about the passing an amazing English teacher. Mr. Banton was one of my most favorite teachers at UNIS. He always encouraged my poetry writing, as well as cheered me on at my Track and Field meets. I could always hear his voice above the crowd!!
I remember writing an acrostic poem (I believe, this is what the form is called. He wanted the class to write one). The poem went something like this:
Ant on Ban ton
Can ant on Ban ton
Ant can run, Ban ton
Can’t run
Can ant and Ban ton!!
I remember him laughing so loudly. He seemed to enjoy the poem so much, and this made me glad indeed!! You will be sorely be missed!
Donna Cestaro McWilliams
October 19, 2020
My late mother Joan was so very fond of her cousin Frank. I recall his visits when I was young and the special bond they held. In my mother’s later years Frank gave my mother a book he created which included precious photos of their younger years. She treasured this album that we continue to enjoy. My sincere condolences to the Bannon family.
Ramesh Singh
October 19, 2020
Wow, Mr Blanton was a great teacher to so many. He taught me to enjoy literature, believe in my own voice and express myself accordingly. With him, English class was not tedious work but challenging, exciting and fun engagement w great works and authors...Thanks you Mr Blanton, Rest In Peace.
Tamara (Sadoo) Arzt
October 19, 2020
Mr. Banton was my favorite teacher at UNIS. English with him was always lively, entertaining and full of thoughtful discussion about whatever were reading at the time. He made us all feel like we had a voice and our opinions and thoughts had value and mattered. For that, I am grateful. My condolences for your loss.
Eri Noguchi
October 19, 2020
When I am asked to name the best teachers I have ever had in my life. Mr. Banton is always among them. He was a force to be reckoned with, and I remember specific novels because I read them in his class. I can, even now, hear his deep voice reading passages. I feel like if i were to hear his voice in a crowd, I would recognize it right away. He brought novels alive, and helped us to burrow into the world on the page and discover new insights each time we reread a page. I can only imagine how many students he inspired in this way, to love novels, to love the power of language to transport us to different places, different times, different experiences, and to connect in deep ways to the fundamentals of human existence. Thank you for making sure that the news of his passing reached me.
Anna Beale
October 19, 2020
Oh Mr. Banton -- you are legend. You taught me to write at UNIS, you believed in me, and you gave me a voice. Your spirit is honored, and may it rest in peace. Rock on wherever you are. My sympathies and condolences to the family during this difficult time. Om Shanti. Anna Beale
Wally
October 19, 2020
His hand writing in the margin of an essay he just graded had the following comment “ This paper could fertilize the Ukraine “ . His wit, sarcasm always had a edge. Among all the great teachers I was blessed to have he was the standout. Both as a teacher and later as a friend
Indhika
October 19, 2020
In deep gratitude for the time I spent in his class, Friday poetry deconstructions, LitMag, and all the perfectly snarky comments. You were the very best teacher, Mr. Banton.
Aaron Mindel
October 19, 2020
RIP Mr. Banton and thank you for the indelible memories. Like so many others, I had the great fortune to be one of your students. Your unbelievable presence and one of a kind teaching style helped instill in me a deep and lifelong love of literature. You always saw through my wise guy act, brought life to our classroom, and the English curriculum to life at UNIS.
You will be missed dearly.
Nadia Jaber
October 19, 2020
Mr Banton was the one teacher who seemed to know me best, he knew what I was capable of and saw things I didn’t see. He was the most pivotal teacher I had at UNIS- the only one who’s opinion carried a tremendous weight. He mattered to me, and I’m sure to others - a lot. His sense of play and wit, his converse shoes- are among a few of the fond memories of him. Thanks for seeing me, and believing in me. Condolences to his family.
Pat Bianculli
October 19, 2020
I am deeply saddened by Frank's passing. Though I didn't know him well, his presence was always felt, his classes always talked about by his students. Perhaps what he said about his output applies to all of us. We are teachers first. Thanks for your life, Frank, and rest in peace.
Maëva
October 19, 2020
Boo, was my name. You taught me how to read pauses, Mr. Banton. You taught me how to feel the hesitation and the crushing doubt someone must have felt while penning what we now consider art; the books we use to teach our kids how to make art, or to create anything greater than themselves, so their phrases and pauses might one day resonate in someone else's heart full of doubt. I have carried that with me always. Boo was my name, the name you gave me laughing, in your class and in your handwriting. Boo is my name, in your book of poems I carry always, across the four corners of this earth. I will be grateful always. -Boo.
iobel andemicael
October 19, 2020
Just a few days ago I was sharing stories about Mr Banton with my sons and remarking on the profound impact great teachers have on our lives - on our character, passions, and choices . Frank Banton was a brilliant teacher whose passion for books, writers, and connecting students to literature -- and literature to Life -- were unmatched. Those connections are still so vivid: whenever the class struggled - with Joyce or Garcia Marquez or Keats - Mr Banton would create ways to bring the words to life, often with stories from his own life (and the nuns from his Catholic school days) that taught us as much about literature, storytelling and life as the great literature itself. He also was extremely perceptive about students' needs, and kind in his inimitably gruff and sardonic way, and he would never, ever give up on finding ways to reach EVERY student and engage them in some way with the joys of reading and storytelling. I wish I had thought to thank him properly when I could have....
iobel andemicael, '84
Vairam Alagappan
October 19, 2020
I not only studied English with Frank Banton's, but also played basketball with him before school. He remarked about our basketball play in his speech "Vairam would dribble, and then I would give him the ball." Classic Frank Banton, witty, engaging, and a teacher who will truly be missed.
Kira
October 19, 2020
Mr. Banton is the reason I am the professor I am today. He challenged me academically, made me a better writer, and taught me more than I can ever describe. When I was diagnosed with cancer last year, some of my students let me know how I had positively impacted their lives and/or academic work. It meant a lot to me, and I realized I had never thanked Mr. Banton for his effect on my career and me as a person. He was the teacher I always wanted to make proud, and I wanted so badly for him to know that he had a huge influence on my becoming a professor and how I teach. I tried many ways to find his contact information with no success. I hope he knew how important he was to me and so many of his other students. I also hope that I can be even half as amazing a teacher as he was. Rest in peace Mr. Banton. Your legacy will continue, as you remain alive in our hearts.
David Sibeko
October 19, 2020
Sad news on the passing of Mr. Banton. To me, he was the quintissential New Yorker, and had the admirable quality of being comfortable in his own skin. Which I've come to learn is easier said than done. Being a student in his class was good for me, and among the qualities that made him appealing to his learners was his frankness - excuse the pun. An anecdote I've carried with me till this day is when he spoke about what our dreams are as students and how life plays itself out. He spoke of how he had gone to college looking to get into the sciences and didn't meet the expectations of his heart. However, along the way, he had written such an impressive paper and his professor had suggested to him to look at English as a possible path for the future. In my books, what the scientific community lost legions of students taking his English class gained. For that alone, I am grateful to have been present to receive that minted piece of wisdom, because it speaks for itself.
SB
October 19, 2020
Mr Blanton taught me one of the best jokes I've ever heard, and I hope to keep telling it until the end as I'm sure he did. You were a class act, RIP.
Kim Taylor (Swallow)
October 19, 2020
A great teacher, a great sense of humour and always so kind. I remember him so well and with fondness. My condolences to his family.
Stella Ndimbie-Broh
October 19, 2020
My condolences to the Banton family. I am a UNIS graduate, class of '79. Great memory of learning about the Aboriginals of Australia in Mr. Banton's Anthropology class. Can't forget his signature black turtleneck and jeans. May he Rest In Perfect Peace.
Jennie Gonzalez
October 19, 2020
I remember the days when I would call the english department and asked for Mr. Frank Banton. When he heard it was me he would say "Oh no it's the IRS. I used to hunt teachers down whenever a teacher recommendation was due for a college application. He always came through though. Anything for his students. He will always be missed.
Didier Hue
October 19, 2020
It is indeed a sad day to hear of his passing. Mr. Banton was my English teacher at UNIS in middle school in 1972 and I have fond memories of his stories of Notre Dame and his carved coconut monkey Otto Ork who sat on his desk. He had a love of life and teaching that led all of us in his class to actually be disappointed when the bell rang signifying we would be going to a lesser part of our day. May he rest in peace with the knowledge that his contributions will never be forgotten.
Ida Giersing
October 19, 2020
I remember Mr. Banton for calling out my run-on sentences - and for awakening my passion for the written word. I have thought of him often, and am saddened to hear of his passing.
Paula
October 19, 2020
Mr. Banton was my homeroom teacher. Such an inspiration ! So clever, elegant, witty. My condolences to the family. He truly left his mark.
Ishaan Tharoor
October 19, 2020
In mourning today, thinking of Mr. Banton, one of the greatest teachers I ever had. What a gift and blessing to have sheltered, ever briefly, under his wing. With love and respect,
Ishaan Tharoor, UNIS '02
Les de Looz
October 19, 2020
Mr. Banton,
The de Looz trifecta will be forever touched by your teaching at UNIS. You had seen us all enthusiastically come, and warily go. We will miss many of the dear moments and important lessons from our time with you, holding them within us for our lifetimes. One memory stands out, which surely others can attest to: The Dictionary Game. You were uncannily gifted, always nailing the meaning of the word on the proverbial head. A mark of a great teacher, you spurned curiosity in literature in those who had little or no innate interest. A master, able to also coax those daunted by it to explore it. A chorused thank you from three UNIS survivors.
May you rest in peace, knowing the depth of your positive formative influence.
Francesca Cook
October 19, 2020
Mr Banton was an English Department icon at UNIS, and left a lasting impression on all his students, and for many brought the literary world alive. RIP.
Teri
October 19, 2020
Frank Banton was an amazing English teacher who brought the classics to life and inspired so many of us to be writers and gave us the courage to find our own voice. I will be forever grateful for his wisdom and support.
Teri Goldman Weiss
Lisa Van Eyndhoven
October 19, 2020
I am sure I am not alone when I say that Mr. Banton was an amazing teacher. He made it fun to come to school and touched the hearts of so many. He made the driest Shakespeare passage captivating and inspired countless of young students to become avid readers and writers. I think many of his students wanted to emulate him; his good humor, his patience, his intelligence. He will be greatly missed. Lisa Van Eyndhoven ‘00
Richard Lachmann
October 19, 2020
I had Mr. Banton for IBH English in fall 1973. He, Christopher Boothroyd and David Shapiro each taught part of the 2-year sequence. Mr. Banton helped teach me to read literature carefully and class was enlightening and fun at the same time. He was an important presence in the school beyond the classes he taught. He helped me develop as a reader and as a human being. I am grateful.
Richard Lachmann, UNIS 1974
John Ingram
October 19, 2020
Frank was a great teacher with wonderful humor and insight. He always spoke his mind at faculty meetings and vehemently represented student perspectives. I was very sad to hear of his passing and will keep him alive in my memory.
Phil Paschutine
October 19, 2020
Mr Benton shared his love of literature with us. God bless you Franck and thank you.
Carol Wright
October 19, 2020
Oh, Mr. Banton was a great english teacher! I remember him at UNIS as passionate yet laid back, an eclectic New Yorker. I learned so much from him - he was memorable! Respect and peace to his family.
Khurram Mirza
October 19, 2020
Mr Banton was an exceptional teacher who shared his love of literature With such passion that you could not help but me moved. Condolences to the family.
Suzanne Bettina Gleason
October 19, 2020
I absolutely adored Mr. Banton, who was my favorite teacher of all time, and a lifelong inspiration. It is largely due to his influence that I became a writer. I had the joy of seeing him again -- barely changed -- walking, pantherlike, down the halls at UNIS when both of my children attended in the mid 2000's. The world is a lesser place with his loss, and a far better place for his having been here. He will never be forgotten. Love and condolences to his family.
Jennifer Nascimento
October 19, 2020
Absolutely one of my favorite teachers, I was in his class twice in the early 90s and I so appreciated his teaching style, his perspective, and the way he always leveled with us. My sentiments to his family and friends
Robert Dujarric
October 19, 2020
I was so sad to learn that Mr. Baton passed away. He was one of the reasons I loved UNIS, he knew what interested me and selected books that he knew I would like, and, last but not least, he had a presence in the classroom that was unmatched. Robert Dujarric UNIS '79
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