Frank Baldanzi

Frank A. Baldanzi November 19, 1954 - January 25, 2014 The gentle, always positive, and caring spirit of our dear Frank ("Frankie") A. Baldanzi, 59, left us early Saturday morning, January 25, 2014, after a courageous 15-year battle with meningioma (brain tumor). Frank is survived by his devoted husband, life partner, and best friend of 18 years, James ("Jay") B. Creighton, and his loving daughter, Gina F. Baldanzi (Jeff), both of San Francisco. He was the caring son of Lydia M. Baldanzi and the late John N. Baldanzi, and the adored godson of Edward & Stella Viarengo, all of San Mateo. Frank is also survived by his brothers, John N. Baldanzi Jr. (Randi), and James M. Baldanzi (Cheryl); his sister, Mary C. Baldanzi (Carl); his nephews, Daniel Baldanzi, Robert Baldanzi, Steven Baldanzi; and his niece, Erin Kelly. Frank is also survived by Gina's mother, Diane Giovannini, who remained Frank's friend for the rest of his life. Born and raised in San Mateo, Frank was a graduate of St. Matthew Catholic School and Junipero Serra High School (1971). He received his college degree (Accounting) from the University of San Francisco (1975). Immediately after receiving his degree, Frank began working for Leventhal & Co., CPAs. After several years with Leventhal, Frank and several colleagues founded and operated their own CPA firm. A few years afterwards, Frank founded Baldanzi & Co., CPAs in San Mateo. Due to his excellent managerial skills, encyclopedic mind, and even temperament, Frank inspired his devoted and long-standing employees to help him create a highly successful and well-respected firm. Sadly, in late 2010, after 35 very successful "tax seasons," but in failing health, Frank sold his firm and retired to spend more time with Jay and Gina. Frank was a member (since 1981) and Past President (1992-93) of the Rotary Club of San Mateo. His experiences as a San Mateo Rotarian became some of his favorite and most enduring memories. He always came away from a Rotary luncheon having learned something good about people. Frank was known and greatly admired for his quick wit and great sense of humor. Many of his close friends were fellow Rotarians who never hesitated to remind him how much fun they had during his year as President of the Rotary Club of San Mateo. In 1988, when Frank told his family and friends that he was gay, he was quite unsure and a bit afraid of the reception he would find among them and the San Mateo community in general. To his relief, his concerns were largely unfounded. In fact, Frank was humbled and greatly honored to find that, among his most ardent supporters, were his fellow San Mateo Rotarians. In addition, Gina has often publicly referred to her father's decision to be true to himselfas difficult as it wasas the most inspirational gift he could have ever given her. Frank and Jay traveled extensively during their time together, particularly throughout Italy. Fluent in Italian, Frank and Jay would spend weeks in the country's small, tucked-away towns where one could find the true Italy. He was an avid advocate of the "slow food" movement, and often encouraged his employees, colleagues, and friends to enjoy long lunches over a good bottle of wine. "Life is short," Frank would often say. "The work will get done soon enough. Enjoy life while you can. And have another glass of winefor digestive purposes, of course!" When Frank died, Jay lost not only a devoted husband and life partner, but also his best friend and the greatest mentorboth personally and professionallyone could ever hope for. Gina lost her dear father, close friend, and confidante. Lydia lost her first born childher dear son. But they are not alone in their loss; so many of Frank's family and friends were greatly and most positively moved by this wonderful man who was not only one of a kindhe was one of the "better ones." To say he will be missed doesn't do him proper justice. Those who loved him neither forget nor cease to be inspired by Frank's love for, and devotion to, life and to its simple beauty. Frank's favorite expression was the Italian phrase "sempre avanti," which means, "always forward." He would often say, "Just keep moving forward; don't live in or worry about the past." Well, Frank has moved forward, on to his next great adventure, and thankfully free of the restrictions that meningioma enforced on his body. A Memorial Service celebrating Frank's life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014, beginning at 11:00 AM, at Duggan's Serra Mortuary (500 Westlake Ave., Daly City, CA). Following the service, guests are invited to attend a luncheon in Frank's memory at the Poplar Creek Grill in San Mateothe location of the weekly meetings of the Rotary Club of San Mateolocated at 1700 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo, CA. The luncheon will begin at 1:00 PM on February 22, 2014. In lieu of flowers, it was Frank's sincere wish that you consider making a charitable contribution in his memory to any of the following charities that he avidly supported during his lifetime: (1) The UCSF FOUNDATION, P.O. Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339, with the request that the contribution be used by the Brain Tumor Research Center to research the causes, treatment, and prevention of brain tumors, especially meningiomas; (2) The SAN MATEO ROTARY FOUNDATION, P.O. Box 95, San Mateo, CA 94401; (3) The SAN MATEO COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063; or (4) The MILLS-PENINSULA HOSPITAL FOUNDATION, 1501 Trousdale Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010.