Frank Zingrone In Memorium

I was saddened to learn recently that Frank Zingrone passed away on December 13th.

I learned of Frank's death from his son, Mike, who wrote the following in an email message to me:

I know that Frank was proud to be associated with the Media Ecology Association and greatly enjoyed his engagements at Fordham, so I thought it was important to inform you of his passing.

Mike also gave me the URL for Frank's obituary in the Toronto Star:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestar/obituary.aspx?n=frank-d-zingrone&pid=137312485 

And here is an excerpt from the obit:

ZINGRONE, Dr. Frank D., Ph.D. - Born August 16, 1933, died Sunday, December 13, 2009 peacefully at home after a long illness. The beloved patriarch of the Zingrone family, Frank was a professor emeritus and co-founder of the Communications Department at York University, also having taught at M.I.T. (Boston). As an educator and author, Frank was a comprehensivist in media, culture and technology, as well as 20th century literature, and found great joy and fulfillment in working with his numerous colleagues and students over a long, respected career. Beloved husband of 51 years to Delia. Loving father of Francesca (Stephen Katz), Michael (Trish Bettencourt), Robert, Paul (Gina Zacher) and Joseph (Tara Tovell). Cherished grandfather of Samantha, Rachel, Jack, Adam and Dylan. Dear brother of Mary Lou and Sylvia. He will be fondly remembered by the many whose lives he touched.

There is also a Guest Book online that can be viewed and signed:  

http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=10746145487077&cid=fullhttp://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=10746145487077&cid=full

Frank was one of our leading McLuhan scholars, and a great media ecologist.  I was pleased to first meet him at the McLuhan Symposium we held at Fordham University in 1998, and to include his contribution in the Legacy of McLuhan anthology I co-edited with Ed Wachtel.  It was also a privilege to be able to include his book, The Media Symplex, in the Hampton Press Media Ecology book series.  

Zingrone's editorial work on The Essential McLuhan was an important contribution to the media ecology literature, as was his work on the Who Was Marshall McLuhan anthology.  Frank was also a poet, having published two books of poetry, and I wish I had known that side of him better.

But most important of all was his presence, at the symposium, at numerous MEA events over the years, and on other occasions.  He was good company, and a good friend, in addition to being a great speaker, artist, and intellect.  Frank Zingrone will be very much missed, and I know that I am not alone in wanting to include a memorial session at the next MEA convention in June.

Frank Zingrone's homepage lists many of his accomplishments, and provides links to some of his online publications.  It remains an important resource for us all.

http://frankzingrone.com

Rest in peace, my friend.