Frank Michael Lucanto

Frank Michael Lucanto, 73, passed away on July 23, 2011 at his home near Naples, Idaho after a brief illness.

Private services are being held.

Frank was born on May 12, 1938 in Paterson, N.J., to Anthony and Mary (Munci) Lucanto. In his youth Frank enjoyed building gas powered model airplanes. He was also the guitar player in a band that included several of his childhood friends. His love of the guitar lasted throughout his life.  

He served four years in the US Navy on the USS Coral Sea and USS Benington during the Korean War. Frank worked for the Department of Residential and Community Youth Services in Bergen County, New Jersey, where he fought for a more humane and responsible way to process troubled youths through the juvenile justice system.  

He worked as a special education teacher at the Speech and Language Developmental Center in Buena Park, Calif. Prior to moving to California, Frank together built wooden sail boats by his dear friend, “Pop” Castillo.

Frank was an Eagle Scout Leader in New Jersey for many years and while in California he formed a Boy Scout Group for many of his special education youths.  

He retired after a successful 40-year career in education. He and his wife Diana Travers-Lucanto, whom Frank lovingly referred to as his “redhead’, came to Naples, Idaho.  Frank volunteered for 5 years to teach the GED program for the North Idaho College at the Boundary County Jail.

Frank enjoyed his retirement and spent his leisure time solving crossword puzzles, reading and cooking. He was an expert bass fisherman, spending many hours at his favorite fishing hole, McArthur Lake. He mentored many on fishing techniques and generously supplied fishing tackle to new anglers. Frank was also an ordained minister.

Frank will be dearly missed by his devoted wife Diana, daughter Diane Hanley, his faithful canine companions, Spuddie and Angel, and all those who lived him.

Family and friends are invited to sign Frank’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.