Mr. Frank Joseph D'Anna

Frank Joseph D'Anna, 91, of Denton, TX, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Denton. He was born on March 18, 1933, in Chicago, IL, to John and Carol (Cecola) D'Anna. Frank lived in Southern California for over fifty years before moving to North Texas, where he resided for the last thirty years. He married Terry Ueno in Japan in 1955; she preceded him in death in January 1974.
A proud United States Navy veteran, Frank served during the Korean War. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in English from UCLA and later received a Master's in Music from Long Beach State University.
Frank was an accomplished musician, proficient in piano, clarinet, accordion, flute, and guitar. He performed as both a jazz and classical musician. Throughout his career, he made a lasting impact as a music educator, teaching choral and piano students for over six decades and directing various musicals in colleges and local schools. His choirs and ensembles won numerous state and national competitions. Frank mentored countless students who earned accolades, scholarships, and awards, achieving great success in competitions and showcases. He remained close with many of his students throughout the years forming friendships that have stood the test of time and distance.
An entrepreneur at heart, Frank pursued various business ventures, including a tile business, a florist, a motel, a piano studio, and a private school, where he served as headmaster.
Frank's lifelong passion for sailing became a reality at the age of 75 when he became an avid sailor, spending many years enjoying time on local lakes with his personal sailboat. He had a zeal for the arts, spent much of his free time at the theater, frequently attended musicals and the symphony, and loved supporting his beloved Dodgers and UCLA Bruins.
Family was at the center of Frank's life. He cherished time with his loved ones and dedicated years of his life teaching his children and grandchildren how to play piano, creating a generational legacy marked by his love for music.
A devout Christian, Frank's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was deeply committed to his church, First Baptist Parker, where he faithfully played the piano every Sunday for 30 years. He loved reading his Bible and was devoted to the Lord.
Frank is survived by his son, Michael D'Anna and his wife, Sallie, of Riverside, CA; daughter, Dorise Nall and her husband, Justin, of Denton, TX; six grandchildren, Thatcher, Piper, Paisley, Bennett, Jason, and Jennifer; four great-grandchildren, Theodore, Benjamin, Sadie, and Sienna; cousins, Terri Cecola of Chicago, IL, Linda Cecola of Cerritos, CA, Gloria Vulakovic of Bullhead City, AZ, Janice Cecola of Huntington Beach, CA, and Anthony Cecola of Seal Beach, CA; and close friend and former wife, Gloria Balke of Denton, TX.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, John and Carol; his wife, Terry D'Anna; his son, Andrew D'Anna, and his brother, Tony D'Anna.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Valley Creek Church, 2221 S. Loop 288 in Denton, TX. Online condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Terri Slay and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.