Frank D. Politano

Frank D. Politano passed away peacefully in his home on 31 January 2022 after a year-long illness. Frank was born 16 November 1934 in Kenilworth, UT to Italian immigrant parents, Pete Politano and Tressie Sacco. He grew up in Southern Utah and Eastern Colorado along the railroad lines where his father worked as a foreman. He spent significant time with his grandmother Rose Sacco and attended grade school at Notre Dame School in Price, Utah. He then went to The Abbey in Canyon City, Colorado where he made lifelong friends and excelled at multiple sports, playing football, basketball, and baseball.  Frank attended The College of Eastern Utah and was then drafted for service in the Korean War.  Upon returning, he finished his two degrees and graduated from the University of Utah.  

He married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Picco, on 20 April 1963, and had two Daughters Gena Maria and Monica Ann.  They settled in Salt Lake City Utah.  He worked at Faim Sporting goods for several years bringing new sales techniques and sharing his love of the outdoors by selling ski equipment, hunting, and fishing gear.  He would personally deliver skis for his customers on many a Christmas Eve.  He invented the Lantern Caddy for Coleman lanterns that was sold in many sporting goods stores.  In 1967, he began a long successful career with 3M Company, selling data processing products over a large western territory. He shared his passion of sports by coaching the Olympus youth football team and his daughters’ basketball and volleyball teams. He retired from 3M after 35+ years and enjoyed several years with Patricia traveling with friends and family.  Frank would be seen almost daily working out at the Sports Mall, driving his white Suburban, and doing an endless list of projects around the home that he built.  He tenderly spent time with his children and grandchildren and attended their sporting events, music concerts and activities. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and in 2012 his wife Patricia.  He is survived by his daughters: Gena M. Politano (R. Scott Maxfield) and Monica Ann Frederick (Ted Frederick), grandchildren: Sarah Elizabeth, Jacob Joseph and Eleanor Rose Frederick.  Frank was well loved by many cousins and close friends.  He will be remembered by not only being always the gentleman but a gentle man.  “Frank the saint”, who would do anything for anyone.

A private memorial mass was celebrated in his honor. He was interned at Wasatch Memorial cemetery in Salt Lake City.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, please do something fun that Frank would have loved.  Cheer on your sports team, ski on a beautiful Utah mountain, go boating, hunt or fish or dance with the love of your life.  Please make a new, wonderful memory with your family.  Frank would love for you to do this in his honor!