MCC Daily Tribune

Passing of Professor Emeritus Frank Lanzafame, Chemistry

The MCC family mourns the passing of Frank Lanzafame, professor emeritus of chemistry in the Chemistry and Geosciences Department, on March 26, 2023.

Professor Emeritus Lanzafame taught at MCC for more than three decades. He joined the College as an adjunct associate professor in 1970 and began teaching full time as associate professor three years later. During the early years of his MCC career, he developed the Chemical Technology A.A.S. degree program and served as coordinator of the program for many years. He was promoted to the rank of professor in 1978.

Among the first at MCC to use the computer as an educational tool and to have his own website, Professor Emeritus Lanzafame was well regarded by his colleagues as an innovator in the use of technology to enhance education in chemistry. Letters of appreciation from his students and their parents were a testament to his passion for teaching and his dedication to students.

 “I send you praise and congratulations for creating a framework by which I was able to learn so much so thoroughly,” one of his former students wrote in a letter a year after graduation. “I frequently refer back to your text for plainly-put explanations and clarifications. It is a very valuable resource.”

Professor Emeritus Lanzafame’s service to the College included his leadership on the Faculty Senate and his participation on college-wide committees. Particularly noteworthy of his service is the role he played in forming and serving as founding chair of the Ad Hoc Classroom Committee, whose work continued as a subcommittee of the Faculty Senate for many years.

Upon his retirement in 2006 after 36 years of service, he was accorded the rank of professor emeritus. 

He is survived by his wife, Helen; four children; and many cousins. 

Calling hours will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, at Dierna Funeral Home, 2309 Culver Rd., Rochester, NY 14609. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 30, at Peace of Christ Parish at St. James Church, 130 Brett Rd, East Irondequoit, NY 14609, followed by private interment. In lieu of flowers, his family asks mourners to listen to Mozart's Requiem in silence.

His full obituary is available on the Democrat & Chronicle’s website.

MCC extends condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. We are grateful for his many contributions and service to MCC.

DeAnna Burt-Nanna
Office of the President
03/29/2023