Frank was a passionate, brilliant, creative, and gregarious human being. People talk about having a bucket list, but Frank didn't need one. He collected so many memories, adventures, friendships, joy and love enough for many lifetimes. Frank was loved and cherished by many.
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Floating over the Serengeti.
Skiing the Swiss Alps.
Hiking the canyons in Moab.
Skydiving in California.
Following wild herds in South Africa.
Exploring Mount Etna in Sicily.
Road tripping across the U.S.
And so much more.
Frank’s energy matched the vibrant cities in which he lived - New York, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. Yet he also found solace and inspiration in the natural world. Frank captured the beauty of both in his stunning photography.
Serengeti
Petite Martinique
Serengeti
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No matter how far he traveled,
Frank’s heart was with his family.
Frank grew up in a house his father built with his parents Judith and Franco, his older brother Mark, his younger sisters Kristin and Nancy, and his grandparents, Barbara and Edward. It was a full house, but it was home.
Nonna, aunts, uncles, and cousins all lived close by. Frank was a loving uncle to Mia, Anna, and Maeve. Essential to every Bellafante celebration: big hugs, good Italian food, competitive board game play, and a lot of loud talk and laughter.
Baby Frank
Family
ND
Baby Frank
The ND Family
Frank excelled at Notre Dame, and he loved The Irish. At Zahm Hall, he found his second family, AKA The Family. With his generous and charismatic personality, Frank made friends wherever he went, but the friendships he gained in college were an enduring source of support and love...and amazing times.
AFSP Work
Frank was an outspoken advocate for suicide prevention and worked to change misconceptions surrounding mental health.
He participated in the annual Out of Darkness walk and volunteered for the AFSP Philadelphia Chapter.
Frank counseled those in crisis and applied his talent as a compelling speaker, giving interviews and speeches about his own story, including a presentation to the Veterans Affairs Committee.
Keepin' Movin'
Frank participated in sports and stayed active throughout his life; as he often said - healthy body, healthy mind.
He even developed his own form of exercise that he branded “Frank-Bo.” In his youth, he played football and tennis.
In his adult years, Frank became a cyclist and runner and completed the Philadelphia Marathon (one time was enough, he said). He especially cherished participating in the annual OBats tournament with friends.
Movies, Music, and Pizza
Frank was serious about movies. He was an extra in Dead Poets Society and Rudy and worked production on The 24th Day. Frank would go see a movie and then sneak into a different theater to watch another. Good Will Hunting and Magnolia were among his favorites.
It was sibling tradition to watch the Godfather over the holidays, later replaced with the tradition of going to the movies on Christmas night, later replaced by movie nights at the Milk Depot. No television was big enough. Frank had a projector and surround sound system to create the theater experience.
Frank In Action
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Although his singing was not above karaoke-level (He’d disagree), it didn’t stop Frank from serenading his brother and his wife Maureen at their wedding; however, one had to respect his musical talent when Frank played the piano or jammed out on the bongo or drums (His neighbors would disagree).
Eating good food was like a religious experience for Frank. Some favorites: chocolate, peanut butter, ice cream, burritos, cheese, hummus, and above all - pizza. His love for pizza started at Nonna's house and Pizza Sundays.
At the annual holiday party with the ND Family, he always made pizza bread. As he reverently took the bread out of the oven, he inhaled deeply and said, “Smells like my childhood.”
Frank loved a party and captivated the room with his booming voice, quick wit, and storytelling. He hosted epic movie nights and dinners, cooking up Italian foods from his youth.
For several years, Frank worked in technology and consulting, but his work didn’t define him.
“Be curious, not judgmental” was Frank’s life motto. He was open to novel and unconventional ideas, and he was accepting of all people.
Frank had a sharp and inquisitive mind. He consumed books and information. But he didn’t lead a bookish life. Frank’s curiosity and passion led him to many places, seeking out meaningful experiences and connections.
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Frank visited several states and over a dozen countries. Through his travels, he created enduring memories.
Frank was a free spirit who wanted to live creatively and change the world. He took risks. He chased his dreams. He touched us all. For all the memories and for his love, we are forever grateful.