Honoring the Life and Legacy of
Frank P. Esposito
Obituary
Frank P. Esposito, resident of Washington DC, died in his Dupont Circle home on January 17, 2023 at age 66. Frank was born July 5, 1956 to the late Arthur J. Esposito and Rita V. Johnson in White Plains, NY. He is survived by brother, William (Margaret) Esposito of Acworth, GA; step-sister, Debra Johnson of Alexandria, VA; cousins Richard (Jancee) Marcone of Stratford, CT; Robert (Mary) Marcone of Port St. Lucie, FL; niece, Jessica (Shawn) Welch; and nephew, Billy (Jaime) Esposito.
Frank graduated from Lakeland High School cum laude (1974) prior to obtaining his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Crane School of Music SUNY Potsdam where he also graduated cum laude in 1978. He had a keen intellect. He was the smartest person in the room. You wanted him on your team for Trivia!
Frank’s work career spanned several decades. He was last employed at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art as an Advancement Associate. He also worked in administration at Friends & Co. as well as being Office & Production Manager at Lomangino Studio, Assistant Property Manager at SJG Properties, as well as Manager of Tako Grill.
Frank enjoyed international travel to many countries: Italy (where he visited with family), France, Turkey, Thailand, China, and Morocco to name a few. He spoke several foreign languages including Italian, French, & Spanish. He enjoyed the arts, music, and reading. He played the organ, guitar, and oboe in his early years. He appreciated fine wines, dining out, gourmet foods, and cooking. He had style, class, and loved urban life in Washington DC or for that matter, any city he was visiting. He walked everywhere and one could hardly keep up with him.
He enjoyed and found fulfillment in his international work at the Smithsonian Institute with colleagues and associates. He would speak of them often. He collected African art and owned an extensive CD collection of music. Frank was loved by all who knew him. He was an eager and great listener – calm and sensitive to others. He saw the beauty in all things and all peoples. He was a friend to many and will be sorely missed.
This ongoing digital space (HonoringFrankEsposito.com) will serve as Frank’s “digital headstone” memorial and guestbook where all can post condolences for Frank’s family as we grieve his passing. Please share your memories of Frank in the guestbook below. You can post a picture, a story, or perhaps a poem to honor Frank and we encourage you to do so. This memorial site will remain and is in lieu of a Washington DC funeral/memorial service. A future celebration of Frank’s life is being planned by his family in the Atlanta, GA area. Please share HonoringFrankEsposito.com to your social media networks so many more people will have an opportunity to share sentiments that all will enjoy viewing.
Photo Gallery
Afterglow
by Helen Lowrie Marshall
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
In Lieu Of Flowers Please Consider Donating To American Heart Association
For those who would like to remember Frank with a donation please consider the American Heart Association as Heart Disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States since the 1950’s. This disease has had a profound effect on our family over the years and now again with Frank’s passing. Frank would be honored to know your donation in his memory is helping this worthy cause.
My deepest condolences to Bill, Margie and Debra and families. It is with great sorrow and pain we lost you Frank. We had a great time together while it lasted and you are dearly missed. You are a true gentleman and rest in peace Frank until we meet again.
My deepest condolences to the Esposito family on your loss. Frank was such a support to me anytime I was scheduled for an outreach tour. I would call Frank to arrange a time to pick up my touchable objects. I’d leave work for a hurried and harried trip over to the NMAfA and back. He always made my organizational task so easy and I would leave feeling more relaxed and confident than when I arrived. I always had the best conversations with him on anything and everything. Holding him close in my heart.
As another docent who loved and appreciated Frank, I could only repeat the beautiful memories and accolades that Paula, Mona and others have written. He made all of us feel loved and appreciated and needed by the museum. For many of us when we think good thoughts of the Museum, Frank will be the one we hold in greatest affection. We thank you, Frank.
I can only echo what Mona Gavigan has said about Frank because he exhibited the same warmth, knowledge, and enthusiasm for African Art to NMAfA desk volunteers. We always knew we could count on Frank for assistance in any area or on any topic. He provided a much needed link to the staff and exhibit information that may not always have been readily available. I have missed his quick wit, vast knowledge, and kindness to everyone and am truly saddened to hear of his passing.
Remembering dear sweet Frank with much appreciation. As a very long time docent at the Museum of African art, I can assuredly say that no one before or after Frank’s tenure did more to facilitate tours and docents. Frank was the best handler ever, going way beyond a call of duty or job description to accommodate and facilitate tours and docents—he made follow up calls; he was in the lobby to greet and introduce us to group leaders when tours arrived; he covered for me when I was late. And he was a friend beyond museum walls. Frank and I lived in the same area of DC so I’d often drive him home from museum meetings and events—such as the night of the posted photo from a 2013 exhibit, “Africa ReViewed” which featured a photo booth where we got happily disoriented. We often laughed. I miss that.
He was a wonderful ally for the docents and as outreach for tours, and he was a great PR rep for the Museum—always there to take calls. Frank has been greatly missed since he left the Museum, but we never felt he left us, which makes this loss very difficult for us to consider. We want his family to know that we are part of his extended family and we share your sorrow.
Although it is often hard to say a fond farewell, the special impact Frank left on my life continues. Eventually our cherished memories of Frank will change from sorrow to happiness whenever we think of him and the wonderful times that we had as a part of the NMAfA family. I remember the very first time I did my very first Docent tour during the Yinka Shonabari Exhibition, Frank encouraged me and assured me that I could and I did.
As time goes by may the bonds that we gained from our friendship never pass as he will always be remembered as a wonderful friend and colleague. Sending out my thoughts and prayers to his family in their loss.
Helen Broadus
Docent Class of 2009
Dear Frank,
Oh, if only we could have another get together on this earth:) I’m crying so much that I can’t write now. What a treasure you were for me and my fellow docent colleagues at NMAfA, always there when we needed you, always able to keep things under control. Your “savior-faire” solved endless potential issues. We ALWAYS ended up smiling and laughing.
We, NMAfA docents, were already missing you. I’ll look forward to seeing you again.
Love,
Candace
I met Frank in 2008 when I relocated to the DC area from Chicago to accept my position as Curator for Education at the National Museum of African Art. As the Docent Coordinator (and Education Dept. backup) I could never thank him enough for the help he provided to make the transition to the DC area a smooth one for me. Over the years working together, we became fast friends and we often took lunchtime walks around the National Mall. Well, more like strolls in my case. Frank and I would enjoy SI and National Gallery exhibitions as well as those Gift Shop sales! Frank was a real gourmet foodie and cook. His holiday 7 Fishes dinners were extraordinary! I will always miss you dear Frank.
Thank you for sharing Deborah. I am so glad you could share here and remember sweet memories of Frank at the museum.
As a docent at the National Museum of African Art, I wept when I heard Frank had passed away. For many years, Frank was our organizer, our confidante, our morale booster. When he left his job at the National Museum of African Art, the docents held a party to celebrate him and bid him farewell. We wanted him to know how much he had meant to us.
Following are some excerpts from my comments on his farewell:
Frank, it won’t be the same without you. The memories come flooding back from the old days. I remember Friday mornings when you would schmooze with Linda and Helen and me as we waited for our school groups in the Pavilion. Your upbeat attitude eased the long wait when a bus was delayed. It assuaged the disappointment when they failed to appear. And it made a huge difference to the tour groups. Clearly, your outreach to the tour leaders was key to what made them so happy about coming to NMAfA.
And I remember often stopping by your office for cheery conversation after my shift. You were always interested in how the tour had gone that day and Docent Corps news. In short, you were there for us; you were our link to staff during the many years that we lacked a docent coordinator. You were a sign that the museum really cared about what went on with the docents.
For years you were the one who prepared the Lecture Hall for our in-service sessions. You always had the sign-in list, handouts, etc. neatly waiting for us. You got the coffee going in the urn, spread the table cloth, set out the paper goods. Best of all you were there to greet us, often with a hug. You were skilled with technology and smart about everything.
You joined us on our field trips, attended our parties, handled our crises. You kept up our morale. You got to know and love each of us as individuals and when we didn’t show up, you reached out to learn why. There’s no way we could ever thank you enough. Your name will always stir these memories. We know you love the docents still and we love you back.
Dear Paula, thank you so much for sharing. I learned so much from your post and had no idea that a farewell party was organized. What a wonderful memory to post. We will hold it close to our hearts.
Paula’s post was beautiful and right on. We docents loved Frank so much!
Paula, A wonderful group photo reminding us of NMAfA’s docent meetings in the Lecture Hall and memories of Frank’s dedication to his work at the museum. No one could quite fill his shoes after he decided to step down.
Oh Frank, I am so sad. I thought we would have more time to renew our friendship. You were always so very kind to me. And so much fun. What a beautiful human being you were, and will always be in my heart. Love, Virginia
The photo is of you and me and Kathy is April 2018, such a sweet evening
This is harder than I thought. How do you compress a lifetime of memories into a single paragraph. There’s not a time growing up that Frank (and Bill) were not a large part of it. It goes without saying our holidays were nothing short of true feasts prepared by my mom and dear Auntie Rita, but some child hood memories.. we’d visit Playland in Rye NY, no visit to Stratford was complete without a trip to Longbrook Park to try and catch frogs! Then he couldn’t leave without a visit to Vic’s Variety (aka the junk store) As we grew older I admired Frank’s love for music and the arts. How he loved to travel and explore the world. He’s been more places than I could even dream about. Though in later years our visits were not as frequent, our times together were special. Frank, you were always the unique one in the family. Never really “playing by the book.” A true free spirit, and you are now free from the bonds of this world. Be free cuz. May you rest in peace. Love, family, and memories always.
Thanks Rick! So many memories to ponder and I wish we could go to the Junk Store one more time.
Frank was a great friend to my sister all during high school, and I remember how he always let this “kid” join in any of the fun they were having! He always made me feel special and welcome, and I have fond memories of him. Was glad to get updates from my sister when the two of them were able to connect. He did, and always will, make me smile. My heart is with his family.
Thank you Sally. We were both the “kids” generally in the way. Lol. I appreciate you sharing here.
I have so very many memories of Frank — we have been friends since the 7th grade! — that I will have to come back and visit this site again after I have put my thoughts together. I also have photos I need to pull out and add. Until then…I will miss you my dear friend, and I send my sincere condolences to your family.
Thank you Kathy! I know how you were such good friends since way back. We will all miss Frank greatly. Please return to the site and post picture and thoughts. We will cherish them. I can’t wait to see them.
When we first met in our “blended” family, you were 11 and I was 15. We bonded over books and you shared your Narnia books with me. Now you are on the other side of the Wardrobe and to paraphrase the end of that beloved series : “your life in this world was only the cover and title page; now at last you are beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read, which goes on for ever and in which every chapter is better than the one before.” Be at peace, brother. With love, Deb
Well said Deb…beautiful sentiment.
We are very sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers. Blessings.
Thank you Rosario my Italian brother. Frank would share many times with me his time in Italy. Your concern and love mean so much to us.
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear and late Uncle Frank. God give strength to the family and light and love to Frank.
Thank you Fatima! Your love is our strength.
Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed Frank’s company when we were together at family events. He was such a nice guy.
Questa notizia ci ha lasciati un grande vuoto. Io ero piccola quando venne a conoscere i suoi parenti in Italia . E’ stato un bel po’ a casa nostra e insieme ai miei fratelli Rosario e Stefano e ai cugini Adele e Rosario abbiamo trascorso bei momenti, grazie a lui abbiamo riunito le nostre famiglie. Grazie Frank ti porteremo sempre nei nostri ricordi piu’ belli. Anna Prisco Italia Napoli
Translation: This news left us a great void. I was a child when he came to meet his relatives in Italy . It was a long time at our house and together with my brothers Rosario and Stefano and cousins Adele and Rosario we spent good moments, thanks to him we gathered our families. Thanks Frank we will always bring you to our most beautiful memories. Anna Prisco Italia Naples
Molte grazie Anna. Sì, Frank è responsabile per il collegamento delle nostre famiglie qui e in Italia. Un’eredità grande e un successo duraturo! Love Bill
I have fond memories of your visits to us in Florida or when we could all be together as a big family at Grandma’s in New York. Thank you for being a wonderful Uncle and always ready to listen. With feelings of grief, Love you always.
It all went too quick Frank and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Thank you for all of the adventures and good times we shared. Your legacy of love and acceptance live on in us and you are missed. Carry on until we meet again…
Sorry to hear of your loss
Thank you Jimmy