Frank M. Tirico

Frank Michael Tirico, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, and coach, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, just shy of his 90th birthday. Born in the Bronx, New York to Rose and Angelo.
Frank was married to Patricia (Ciccone) Tirico, his loving wife from Providence, Rhode Island, for 65 wonderful years. Together, they raised six children: Daryl, Allison (deceased), Todd, Jeffrey, Keith (wife Aileen), and Kristen (deceased). Frank was also a surrogate father to Benoit Bekono. He cherished his role as a grandfather to Jason, Stephanie, Christopher, Thomas, Kristina, Michael, Daniel, Rory, Sophia, Bella, Ally, Keith, Keedan, Greyson, Eva, and Maylah, and as a great-grandfather to Elijah, Annabelle, Elizabeth, Liliana, Kaia, River, Lucas, Melody, and Beckham.

Frank is predeceased by his siblings James, Mary, Yolanda, Anthony, Carol, and Lucille, and he leaves behind his sister-in-law, Marilyn Ardente as well as nieces and nephews.

A proud graduate of All Hallows High School, Frank attended Providence College, where he played basketball under the guidance of coach Joe Malaney and alongside teammate Lenny Wilkens. His love for basketball and baseball led him to a distinguished career as a coach and educator.

Frank served his country as a first lieutenant in the United States Army, where he also played and coached basketball at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He went on to teach English and Math, and served as the head basketball and baseball coach at St. Dominic’s High School in Oyster Bay, New York, while future stars like Rick Pitino and Ralph Willard played in his program. His coaching career extended to the United States Merchant Marine Academy and Our Savior New American Lutheran High School. Notably, he was the first baseball coach at Stony Brook University and played for the Atlanta Braves farm team.

Frank dedicated 30 years of his life to teaching at Selden High School, where he was teacher of the year.

Frank Michael Tirico’s legacy of love, dedication, and excellence will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.