Francis L. COMUNALE

COMUNALE, Dr. Francis (Frank) L. Passed away peacefully, at age 92, in San Diego, California, on August 2, 2025, with family and friends by his side.

Frank had a long and successful career in the practice of anesthesiology, teaching, and hospital administration. Frank's professional achievements and honors over his more than 65 years of diverse experience are too numerous to list. Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, in 1933, Frank received his B.S. from Tufts University in 1954, his M.D. from Boston University in 1959, and his clinical training in anesthesiology at Boston City Hospital. Frank served as a Captain in the United States Army from 1960 until 1963. After completing his residency, Frank accepted a position at The Cambridge City Hospital, where he served as Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology until 1979. During the same period, he was a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at Harvard University School of Medicine, and he served as the Commissioner for Health and Hospitals for the City of Cambridge from 1975-1979. After the blizzard of 1978, Frank moved his family to Southern California, where he accepted the position of Medical Director at San Bernardino County Medical Center and continued his practice of anesthesiology.

Among Frank's many honors include the U.S. First Army Commendation Medal in 1963, Humanitarian of the Year in 1991, and Humanism in Medicine Award in 1994, both from Western University of Health Sciences, and the Community Health Visionary Award from the Community Clinic Association of San Bernardino in 2013.

Frank adored his 44 years with his wife, Maureen; and deeply loved his two daughters, Ellen Henry and Linda Couture, son-in-law, Guy Couture; his three grandsons, Christopher, Luke, and Tanner; and two great-grandchildren, Leonidas and Ariadne. Frank was a passionate and dynamic man with many friends, known for his brilliance, wit, generosity, and compassion. Frank was an avid golfer and also enjoyed following all of the Boston sports teams.

Frank is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a large beloved extended family and many friends. He is and will be deeply missed, and will be remembered with great love.