Ruth E. Frontin

A Celebration of the Life of Ruth Frontin

Ruth Frontin-affectionately known as Ruth, Ruthie, Mama, Erma, and lovingly called Mrs. F by her many students-lived a beautiful and meaningful life. Born on November 14th, 1945 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, she carried the warmth, strength, and spirit of her island roots with her everywhere she went. After 80 full and blessed years, she transitioned peacefully on December 5th, 2025, following a courageous battle with lymphoma. Her legacy of love, resilience, and generosity lives on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Ruth married Leslie Pampellone at the young age of 19. They had two daughters Leslie-Ann and Deborah Pampellone. Ruthie led a truly full and busy life. She was always a hardworking woman, She was known throughout her life for her generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved. In Trinidad, she built the foundation of her career at the Trinidad and Tobago Telephone Company, where she worked for many years.

For a long time, she called Santa Cruz home. And if you knew Ruth in Trinidad, you knew her cooking and baking. Her home was filled with warmth, laughter, and the unforgettable aroma of her food. Ruth's kitchen was the heart of the family-where she prepared traditional dishes that nourished both body and soul. It was a special time for her family because they were always fed the most wonderful food-made with love by her.

In 1986, Ruth made a decision that showed her incredible determination: she moved her family to New York, searching for a better life for her children.

But her ambition didn't stop there. She was determined to continue her education. She earned her Associate's degree in Accounting from LaGuardia Community College and continued her studies at St. John's University.

Life then took Ruth to Maryland to be with her sweetheart, Carl Frontin, whom she had met at her sister Greta's wedding. She was committed to building a life with him.

While continuing her education at the University of Maryland, Ruth worked in accounting for Potomac Capital, and yet still found time to volunteer at the hospital-always giving back to her community. Ruth graduated with her Bachelors degree in Accounting when she was 50, which demonstrates that it is never too late to further your education.

She and Carl had four glorious years as husband and wife. Though they had planned on Florida, they chose to stay in Maryland when Carl became ill, wanting to be close to his family. Upon Carl's passing, Ruth moved to Florida to be close to her beloved parents, Errol and Phyllis Pantin.

Ruth had always dreamed of being a teacher when she was younger, and in Florida, she finally made that dream come true. She taught different subjects and age groups, but she was always an inspiring presence in the classroom. She earned deep respect and affection from her students and colleagues alike, all of whom knew her simply as Mrs. F. In addition to her classroom work, Ruth shared her creative talents at the Wilton Sweet Studio, where she taught cake decorating for many years with patience, skill, and a joyful spirit that made every class memorable.

Ruth also had what they call in Trinidad a "hot foot"-she loved to travel. She saw many of the Caribbean islands, South America, and Europe in addition to her many cruises, she was always ready for the next adventure and embraced every opportunity to explore the world.

Ruth's life was defined by hard work, fierce determination, love, and a deep connection to her family. A devout Catholic throughout her life, Ruth was a true lover of God. She expressed her faith not just in prayer, but in the way she cared for others with humility and love.

She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and ambition carried forward by her daughter, Leslie-Ann Pampellone; her grandchildren, Michael and Samantha Freire; her sisters, Greta and Brenda Pantin; her brother, Steve Pantin; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and loved ones. She was predeceased by her first husband, Leslie Pampellone; her second husband, Carl Frontin; her younger daughter, Deborah Pampellone; and her siblings Alrick, Cecilia, Cynthia, Brian, and Norma.

Though we feel her absence deeply today, we carry with us the love she gave, the determination she showed, and the memory of her wonderful food and her generous spirit.

Rest in peace, dear Ruth, Ruthie, Mama, Erma, and Mrs. F.