Rock Hill, SC – Frank L. Pullano, a beloved husband, father, educator, composer, and musician, passed away peacefully at home under the care of Agape Hospice on the morning of November 8, 2024. He was 90 years old.
Born on July 4, 1934, in Niagara Falls, New York, Frank was the eldest son of Frank and Genevieve Pullano. A gifted musician from a young age, he excelled academically and musically, graduating from Niagara Falls High School before earning his baccalaureate degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia in 1956 while also becoming a member of Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. His passion for music led him to pursue advanced degrees, earning both his Master’s and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Illinois.
Frank’s illustrious career spanned several decades, primarily as a professor of voice at SUNY Fredonia, where he taught from 1960 until his retirement in 1991. Known for his dynamic baritone voice and remarkable talents as a composer, arranger, and instrumentalist, he was a beloved educator who inspired generations of students. Frank’s operatic career included numerous roles at SUNY Fredonia and opera companies across the United States. He was a frequent soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and performed in many prestigious venues. For many years he performed the solos in Handel’s Messiah on the first weekend of December, missing his son’s birthday party! He was especially proud of his portrayal of Papageno in Mozart’s The Magic Flute at the opening of the University of Illinois Krannert Center Opera House.
Beyond opera, Frank’s love for jazz led him to perform with several jazz combos, including The Four Dukes, The Professors, and Take Three where he served as lead baritone, pianist, and arranger. His versatility as a musician was evident throughout his career, whether he was performing an aria, arranging a jazz trio performance, or composing original musicals. Among his original works are Generation Rag, Daddy’s Little Girl, Sarah’s Gift, and Stories and Dreams, the latter of which was recently staged at the Main Street Theatre in Fredonia.
Frank’s influence extended beyond the university. He was a featured soloist at Trinity Episcopal and First Presbyterian churches in Buffalo, NY, and served as choir director at Trinity Episcopal, First Methodist, and Presbyterian churches in Fredonia. His contributions to the local community and his love of teaching made a lasting impact on those who knew him. He also staged the first grand opera at Mercyhurst College, Madame Butterfly, and spent many summers working with the Chautauqua Opera Company and performing with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. Frank was a charter member of the Chautauqua Italian-American Organization and was frequently the chosen vocalist at his children’s friends’ weddings!
In 2011, Frank and his wife, Sallie, moved to Rock Hill, South Carolina, where he became an active member of the Rock Hill Music Club and continued to make his mark as a musician, composer, and mentor. Frank and Sallie were honored with the Hillman Memorial Music Award in 2012 for their contributions to the music community.
Frank met his wife, Sallie Anne Shapley, in 1954 at SUNY Fredonia. A two-month honeymoon in the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River followed their June 1958 marriage in Binghamton, NY. During that summer, Frank’s trio entertained regularly at the Crossman Hotel in Alexandria Bay. Frank and Sallie enjoyed 66 years of marriage, during which they raised a family in Fredonia, became devoted members of Trinity Episcopal Church, and contributed to their community. In 2011, they relocated to Rock Hill, SC. Frank is survived by his loving wife, Sallie; his daughter, Dr. Jennifer Sue Pullano, of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina; his son, Dr. Frank Benjamin Pullano, of Rock Hill, South Carolina; his brothers, Louis (Loretta) and Joseph (Patrina); and his nieces and nephews, Melinda, Melanie, Louis, Nancy, and Kathryn.
The family expresses deep gratitude to the staff of Agape Care for their compassionate support during Frank’s final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org or to a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been made by Greene Funeral Home, Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC. Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net.
Frank L. Pullano will be remembered as a man whose deep love for music enriched the lives of all who knew him, and whose legacy as a teacher, performer, and composer will continue to inspire future generations.