Francis (Frank) Albert Arnone died on October 8 from a heart attack while vacationing with family in Italy. Frank had a love for Italian culture, food, music and history. He fully enjoyed a week immersed in this beautiful country before his passing.

Frank was born to Helen (Usowski) and Ralph Arnone, Sr in Greenwich on March 12, 1962. He attended public school in Greenwich, St Michael’s College in Vermont, and went on to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a teacher in Greenwich. Frank taught at North Mianus School, which he attended as a child, working alongside some of his elementary school teachers. To address a need for before- and after-school care, Frank worked diligently to create Greenwich School Age Child Care (GSACC). As director, he also had the responsibility of securing money through grants and donations, of which he excelled. Frank was awarded the Distinguished Teacher Award in 1994. With support and encouragement from his principal/mentor, he soon became a school administrator.

Frank worked as a principal in Greenwich and Fairfield school districts, creating a reputation for being engaged, caring and supportive of students and staff. He had high expectations and knew how to guide the staff to accomplish their goals. Frank valued connection. He knew all his students by name, joined in all school events — including pajama days! — and made personal relationships with students who needed a little more. Teachers trusted Frank to support them and many considered him a friend.

Frank went on to work at Central Office as Assistant Superintendent in Fairfield for two years until his retirement.

After retirement from public school, Frank was thrilled to accept the position of Principal at St. Lawrence Catholic School in West Haven. Coincidentally, his father taught there at the start of his teaching career. Sadly, health issues made it necessary for him to retire after only two years.

In his last year, Frank kept himself busy learning to knit, buying and selling antiques, doing costuming and set design for community theatre, going to the community pool, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, and spending time with family.

Frank is survived by his wife, Suzanne (Reidy) and two sons, Christopher and Timothy, and daughter-in-law, Taryn (LaFrance); his siblings Ralph and wife, Joanne; Rob and wife, Wendi; and Aniela (Savona) and husband, Rick. He will also be missed terribly by his in-laws and many nieces and nephews.

Frank was predeceased by his first wife, Peggy, as well as his mother and father.

A wake will be held on Sunday, October 19, from 1-5 pm, at Honan Funeral Home in Newtown. The funeral will be a Mass at St Rose of Lima in Newtown on Monday, October 20, at 10:30. Burial will follow at St Rose Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s memory to Town Players of Newtown Community Theater, C.H. Booth Library of Newtown, or to a charity of your choice.