Frank Joseph D'Gerolamo

Frank Joseph D'Gerolamo, a native and resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Also known as "Didge," "Frankie D," and "Papa Frank," he was born Sep. 1, 1945. Frankie grew up in Baton Rouge on West Grant St, walking distance from the Mississippi River, which provided him with lots of fishing and adventures as a boy. Frank went to St. Agnes School, and then to Lee High School, where he graduated in 1963. He graduated from LSU with a degree in Business. Following in the footsteps of many of his relatives, Frank started XYZ Electric Company in 1974, having worked as an electrician since high school. He later changed the name to Design Lighting and became one of the best and most respected electrical contractors in Baton Rouge. He retired in 2015, after 50 plus years as an electrician.

Frank was an "old hippie" who loved the music of The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Randy Newman. He was often known to quote his favorite songs. He loved to travel, visiting his ancestral home of Sicily several times. He also visited Alaska, Yucatan, Costa Rica, the Italian Peninsula, London, and Canada. In his younger years, Frank could be found drinking Margaritas in the El Matador Lounge at La Fonda's with family and friends on most Friday nights. He loved feeding his birds and his squirrels. He loved to cook, and was very good at it.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Joseph D’Gerolamo and Lena Caruso D’Gerolamo; sisters Bess D’Gerolamo Bergeron and Mary Alice D’Gerolamo Mazzeo; and his wife and companion for 30 years, Patricia Lindsay D’Gerolamo. He is survived by sister Angie D’Gerolamo Perrone; children Candace French (Rick) of Dallas, TX, Chad D'Gerolamo (Shannon) of Baton Rouge, Tracy Lee (Marty) of Fairhope, AL, and Ray P. “Jamie” Fitch of Baton Rouge; grandchildren Grace French, Nicholas D’Gerolamo, Nathan D’Gerolamo, and Shea Lee; ex-wife and mother of Candace and Chad, Brenda Andre Tull.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Linda Bienemy, who provided 5 years of love and care during his declining health. Also, thanks to his best friend, Phil Brady who was there for Frank in the best and darkest of times.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to an animal rescue organization. Frank loved his dog Ginger and cat Max, he spent his last days in the company of “Big Tex”, a very large, loveable orange tabby.

Visitation at Greenoaks Memorial Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70815 on Thursday, July 10th, 2025, from 4:30 PM until 7:00 PM, with sharing of memories at 6:00 PM.

Following a private burial on Friday July 11th, family and friends are invited to a reception at Frank's home at noon.