Frank Sanborn Morong

Frank Sanborn Morong, Ed.D. May 7, 1933 – June 23, 2025 Frank Sanborn Morong passed away on June 23, 2025 at the Gosnell House in Scarborough, Maine. He was born on May 7, 1933, in Ipswich, Massachusetts to Raymond Sanborn Morong and Mildred Gwinn Reed. Frank resided in Rowley, Massachusetts for the first nine years of his life. At the age of 6 years, he contracted polio and was bedridden for one year. The family physician stressed to his parents the importance of physical activity while he recuperated. This was the beginning of a life long passion for exercise. When he was 9 years old, he moved to South Portland to live with his grandparents. The rest of his family joined one year later. He graduated from South Portland High School in 1951 where he lettered in football and ran track. The day after his graduation he joined the Marine Corps and was on his way to Camp Lejeune. He was a combat veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He remained in the Marine Corps Reserves to complete his service commitment. Upon his return to South Portland, he married his wife Ann Smith on July 17, 1954. They were married for 61 years until her passing in 2015. In 1955, they welcomed their only child Donna-Lee. Early in his marriage he worked several jobs to support his young family including at the Post Office, the Railroad and as a licensed arborist. During this time, he and his wife decided that he should go to college on the GI bill. After career testing at Togus VA, the results indicated that he was best suited to be an educator. He enrolled in Gorham State Teachers' College and graduated in 1960 with a B.S. in Education and continued his education at the University of Southern Maine where he received a M.S. in Education majoring in counseling. He was a NDEA Fellow at the University of Maine in Orono in the field of Student Personnel Services. In 1973, he earned his Doctorate in Higher Education from Laurence University in Santa Barbara, California. Frank also completed post-doctoral courses at the New England Institute of Alcohol Studies at Keene State College, in Keene, New Hampshire. Teaching was truly his passion and he impacted the lives of many students who continued to stay in touch with him until his death. He began his teaching and coaching career at Lincoln Junior High School in Portland in 1960. While at Lincoln, he coached baseball, indoor track and football. He also was an Assistant Football Coach at Cheverus High School. In 1968, he moved to Southern Maine Vocational Technical College (now SMCC) where he was professor and chairperson of the Social Sciences department for 30 years. During this time, he coached cross country and was president of the teachers' union. Upon his retirement, he established the Dr. Frank Morong scholarship for single mothers wishing to pursue their education at SMCC. Frank exemplified community service with his dedication and contributions to the city of South Portland. He was a member of the South Portland School Board from 1969 -1974 serving as chairperson in 1973 and was elected to the South Portland City Council in 1974 – 1989 serving as mayor for 2 terms. Also, he served on numerous local and state boards representing the city and co-founded Citizen Against Substance Abuse (CASA) in South Portland. While he had many accomplishments during his time on the council, he was most passionate about maintaining open space. He envisioned and wrote the Spring Point Shoreway, marina and bikeway and saw it become a reality. He was also instrumental in the proof of concept and initial development of the Greenbelt Walkway. During his time on the council, he received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the University of Southern Maine for his community service. When he retired from politics, he continued to serve the community as a member of the South Portland Housing Board for 32 years serving as chairperson for many years. He was honored by the board with the dedication of the Affordable Housing Center in his name. Sports and exercise played an integral part of his life. An avid runner, he could be seen running the streets of South Portland every day in any weather condition. He ran approximately 50 marathons and numerous road races. He officiated college and high school basketball for 25 years. He was the former president of the Southern Maine Board of Football Officials and was an official for 52 years receiving the Crozier award for his service. He was a member, founder and deacon at First Congregational Church in South Portland and served as mentor for youths going through the confirmation process. Frank was predeceased by his wife Ann, his parents, and his brothers Carrol R. Morong and Marvin R. Morong. He is survived by his daughter Donna-Lee Morong of South Portland and his brother Robert C. Morong of South Portland, as well as several nieces and nephews. Arrangements under the guidance of Hobbs Funeral Home. Visiting hours will be held on July 1 , from 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. A funeral service will be held on July 2 at 10:00a.m followed by a reception at Hobbs Funeral Home. A burial will follow at 1:00p.m. at Highland Memorial, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Matt Richards, SMCC Foundation 2 Fort Road South Portland, ME 04106 Memo: Frank Morong Fund