Frank N. Lortie

1940 - 2024

Frank N Lortie

April 19, 1940 - October 19, 2024

Sacramento, California - Frank was born in San Mateo to Francis Napoleon and Caroline McGrath Lortie. He grew up proudly in Oakland and graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Political Science. After serving in the Army Frank went to work at the Internal Revenue Service where he met Maryln, his soulmate and best friend for life. Both trainee auditors, they longed for careers that better matched their true interests. Frank began to study at San Francisco State and received an MA with his much cited thesis on San Francisco's Black Community, 1870-1890.

Frank and Maryln moved to the Sacramento area in 1970 when Frank began studies in a doctoral program at UC Davis. Lured away by a job opportunity with the State of California he worked at the Departments of Parks and of Transportation as a respected historian and architectural historian. While at Parks Frank was a fierce advocate for the department's wonderful historic properties. Many were well known, like Bodie State Historic Park. But others, like the rustic facilities constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, were also worth fighting for.

With his passing Frank was released by the cruel thief of Alzheimer's dementia, a disease that had robbed him of his fine intellect and a good deal of his personality. Prior to his dementia Frank had been a passionate supporter of the causes he believed in--progressive politics and the preservation of historic resources to name only a few. Until the end he retained a sense of humor though, cracking surprising jokes while enjoying a beer with friends and family. He had loved to travel, and some of the last remaining parts of his memory recalled the fun family car trips he and Maryln had taken with his beloved sister-in-law Lorraine Bourne and nieces Amanda and Caitlin. He instilled in them a love of history and an appreciation of the natural and built environments. Vivid memories of trips with friends to Alaska, Turkey , Mexico, Cuba and other far flung locations stayed with him as well.

From time to time Frank could be a bit grumpy, but deep down he was tender hearted, with a special affection and sympathy for family, animals and small children. He loved to entertain babies and young children making funny faces with sound effects. His audience was always captivated.

Frank is survived by Maryln, his wife of 56 years, his beloved nieces Amanda Bourne and Caitlin Garibaldi, his "son-in-law" through affection, Joey Garibaldi, and his delightful "grandbaby" Rainie (Lorraine) Garibaldi.

Honoring Frank's wishes no services will be held. If you are so inclined, please donate in his memory to any cause benefiting animals, children or the Alzheimer's Association.