Frank Joseph D'Angelo Jr.

A loving father & husband, grandfather & son, a Professor of English, author of several books and dozens of articles, a master of classical rhetoric, a lover of food, music and everything New Orleans. We called him “Pop Corn,” father of all corny jokes.

Frank was born in New Orleans, LA, November 29, 1928, to Sicilian immigrant parents Francesco D’Angelo & Marianna Grisaffi D’Angelo. He earned an academic scholarship to and graduated from Jesuit High School of New Orleans, then earned a Bachelor of Science cum laude at Loyola, New Orleans (1960), a Master of Arts at Tulane University, New Orleans (1963), and a Doctor of Philosophy, University of Nebraska, Lincoln (1970). He taught high school while he furthered his education. He was a Professor of English at Arizona State University, Tempe, 1970—1995, Director of Composition, 1971—1979, and Professor Emeritus, since 1995. He taught 17 different classes at ASU and influenced the lives of many young students.

Frank was also Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, serving in the Korean War.

With 95 years of experience, he had many stories to tell, but his favorite ones always revolved around family, food and New Orleans. He had an abundant curiosity of so many things – music, philosophy, rhetoric, politics, religion, fashion, sports (a Suns, Cardinals & Saints fan), travel, restaurants, history, reading and writing. His love of rhetoric and teaching brought him happiness and success, earning recognition and multiple honors over the years. He played a major part in professionalizing the field of rhetoric. He was doing research for his last textbook into his mid-90’s, researching endlessly by, reading books, essays, articles, internet stories, magazines and newspapers. His mind remained sharp and inquisitive until the end.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, 9 siblings: Marion, Marian, Thomas, Veronica, Carolina, Marion Theresa, Josephine, Rita, and John Jules and his beautiful wife Sylvia D’Angelo who was taken away from us all far too soon in 2014.

Those of us left behind to cherish his memory are his children, Frank Michael D’Angelo & wife Coco, Susan Michelle D’Angelo, Marc David D’Angelo and wife Pat, Stephen Michael D’Angelo, Lori Ann D’Angelo and his grandchildren, Michael D’Angelo, Anthony D’Angelo, Austin Laing, Christian Laing, David Tang and Gabriella D’Angelo. He was also loved by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to count. Laissez les bon temps rouler, dad. Until we see you again.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity, read a book or raise a glass to our dad.

Services will be held at Lakeshore Mortuary, Wednesday, April 3, 2024

1815 South Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202

Visitation 11a-12p, Funeral Service 12p-1p.

Graveside Service at Mesa Cemetery, 2p, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201