Frank X. Loconto

Francis X. Loconto, a lifelong professional singer and political songwriter as well as a popular Broward public affairs TV host, passed away September 20, 2023.
Known as Frank by scores of friends and prominent community leaders, the gentlemanly 92-year old loved every aspect of show business and was a natural performer and skilled storyteller. A conversation with Frank could easily range from Jackie Gleason to Bobby Darin to Richard Nixon.
Frank, who lived in Tamarac, died following two years of outpatient cancer treatment at the Veterans Administration hospital in Miami.
Frank was born in Cambridge, MA, one of six boys and four girls. Following his discharge from the U.S. Army after Korean War service, Frank and brothers Pete and Art formed a musical trio called The Lane Brothers in the mid-'50s starting in Boston-area radio stations and small country music clubs..
The Lane Brothers, produced by Chet Atkins, recorded for RCA Records. They scored two songs on the pop charts, "Marianne" and "Boppin' in a Sack." They also appeared on "The Tonight Show," "The Jackie Gleason Show" and "The Mike Douglas Show" as they began focusing on playing nightclubs throughout the country.
After moving with his entire family from New England to South Florida in 1964, Frank and his wife and business partner Phyllis eventually opened a recording studio in Sunrise. There he crafted and produced songs for a variety of politicians, including Florida Gov. Bob Graham, Broward Sheriff Nick Navarro and U.S. Rep. Tip O'Neill, a Boston family friend who recorded an album of Irish songs at the studio.
Frank also spent more than two decades hosting CountyLine, a BECON television public affairs program, produced by wife Phyllis. Always dressed on air in one of his trademark vests, Frank interviewed sitting and aspiring government officials, business leaders and entertainers such as long-time friends Connie Francis and Woody Woodbury.
Frank is survived by his wife, Phyllis, a long-time Broward businesswoman and a former Port Everglades Commissioner; and by their daughter, Alisa Lucas, a resident of North Carolina.
Viewing will take place Wednesday (9/27) from 6 to 9 p.m. at Landmark Funeral Home, 4200 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday (9/28) at St. David Catholic Church, 3900 S. University Drive in Davie.
Viewing: Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Time: 6:00pm -9:00pm
Prayer Service: 7:30pm
Location: Landmark Funeral Home
Funeral Mass: Thursday, September 28, 2023
Time: 10:00am
Location: St. David Catholic Church
Inurnment with Military Honors will be at a later date
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery