Frank Vasington

Frank D. Vasington, age 89, of Mansfield, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, June 26, 2018. Frank leaves Shirley Ogozalek, his longstanding partner of over thirty-five years, and his children, Lynn (Vasington) Moore and her husband Richard, Gail Vasington, Mark Vasington and his wife Cecily, Phil Vasington and his wife Amy.  Frank also leaves Shirley’s children, Norman Barry and his wife Ann-Marie, James Barry and his wife Gloria, Linda (Barry) Ternullo and her husband Salvatore, Anne (Ogozalek) Lee, and her husband David.  Frank also leaves many wonderful nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, and many dear friends and golfing pals.

Born in Norwich, CT to Savino and Carmela (Tempesta) Vasington on November 3, 1928, he was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother the Honorable Paul Vasington, his sisters Angela DeLucia and Mary Thayer, and a brother Samuel, who died as a young child, and his grandson, Christopher Vasington Cox.

Frank graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1946, where he was an accomplished student and three-sport athlete. Frank was Class President and was the quarterback and co-captain of the football team that won the 1945 State Championship.  Frank was elected to the NFA Hall of Fame in 2004.

Frank graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1950 with a B.A. and, upon graduation, was commissioned a Second lieutenant in the Army Reserve. In 1952, he earned a Master’s degree in Science and, in 1955, he received a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland. Frank thereafter joined the faculty at University of Maryland as an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, and then Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. In 1964, Frank joined the faculty of the University of Connecticut as an Associate Professor and soon thereafter became a Full Professor. Frank held several administrative positions, including Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean and then Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.  He retired in 1992.

During retirement, Frank focused on golf, family and friends. An accomplished golfer who shot his age on numerous occasions, Frank relished the endless pursuit of the perfect swing and golf with his pals. Friday noontimes would find him sharing pizza with his fellow faculty ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out), and regaling in countless stories. His family meant the world to him and his face always lit up at the arrival of his children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren.

A grounded, thoughtful and modest man who regularly evoked laughter with his understated dry wit, Frank was an inspiration to many. Frank is cherished by his familym and his quiet kindness, steadfast support and wise counsel will be forever missed.  

Calling hours will be on Sunday, July 1, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT 06226. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 2, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 46 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06268. Burial will follow immediately thereafter at the Storrs Cemetery, within walking distance of the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, at:  https://act.alz.org 

To share memories or express condolences, please visit: www.potterfuneralhome.com 

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