Monday, December 30, 2024
I first met Frank in 1992, during the merger that created Birch Wathen Lenox School. At the time, I was new to the city, having just moved from Long Island, with two small children who needed a place to grow and learn.
My search for a school had been disheartening—each visit to other private schools left me feeling rejected, as if my children weren’t truly wanted there. Then, I met Frank, and everything changed.
From the moment we met, his warm smile put me at ease. It was infectious and sincere, and his welcoming demeanor made me feel seen and valued—not just as a parent, but as a person. Frank’s genuine care reassured me that my children were just as important to him as they were to me. Without hesitation, I knew that Birch Wathen Lenox was the right choice for my family.
Over the past 30 years, six of my children attended Birch Wathen Lenox, and now my grandson, who is in 11th grade, continues the tradition. Not a single year has passed since 1992 without a member of my family walking the halls of the school—a testament to the incredible foundation it provided, largely thanks to Frank’s influence.
Frank and I often joked about how many years we’d spent together at the school. He used to tease me about being the school’s unofficial spokesperson, as I could never stop singing its praises. Birch Wathen Lenox meant so much to me and my family, shaping the futures of each of my children.
Frank was the kindest, most sincere, and joyful person I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. He greeted life with a sharp wit, a warm heart, and an undeniable sense of purpose. I will always be grateful that it was him who welcomed me all those years ago, at a time when I felt lost and uncertain.
Frank’s impact was immeasurable, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace, and may we find comfort in knowing how deeply he was loved and admired.
Patrizia Alessi and Family
