Native Portland resident Frank T. Pierobello passed away on Saturday, August 15th, 2020. As well as a beloved father, uncle, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Frank was an accomplished artist and long-time Portland business owner.
Frank was the second child born of Constance and Michael Pierobello, long time residents of Portland. Frank grew up attending Portland schools, graduating from Deering High School in 1951. Frank started his own band in 1949, having talent in both the Saxophone and Clarinet. His father made wooden podium-style music stands with the initials "FPB" (Frank Pierobello Band). In those days 60 dollars was the going price for a nine-piece band. After high school, Frank joined the Navy and served his country from 1951 to 1955, stationed out of Newport, Rhode Island, Company 102.
After the leaving the Navy, Frank owned several businesses in Portland, including a pub called "the Broken Drum... (You can't beat it!)", as well as a TV repair shop called "Snap TV" in 1984, before owning and operating the historical "Brass Rail" aka "The Morrill's Corner Pub" for many years, which has been known in Portland for its unique flavor and faithful patrons for decades.
Frank will always be remembered and loved for his trademark laugh, honest humor, and generosity. His success as a businessman was only second to his incredible passion for art, which he pursued later in life. A recognized oil painter, he created a huge volume of work. Frank's favorite painting themes were impressionistic portraits and the rich landscapes of the Maine coast. You could often find Frank painting his bar patrons, or parked on the side of a scenic coast painting the landscape. Frank enjoyed his travels and painting with many friends, among those especially his best friend, Jimmy. Although many knew Frank for his fun and outgoing personality, it was in his art that he was a very private person. Frank was often known to say that he painted "for himself" only. His art will be a living legacy of his immense talent, as well as his love of the human condition and of his home in Maine.
Frank is survived by his sister Virginia Sabin, as well as his children Stephanie Pierobello, Frank Pierobello Jr., Michele Cook, and Christopher Pierobello. Frank's surviving grandchildren include Sierra Clapham, Michael Pierobello, Maria Pierobello, Christy Bates, and Zachary Pierobello. Franks surviving great-grandchildren are Sophia Pierobello and Madison Pelletier. Frank's surviving niece and nephew include Bedana Crunkleton and Jay Sabin.
As Frank had many friends and family members, while we encourage anyone wanting to pay their respects to please attend his services, we are also asking those that attend to be mindful of the limit of 50 persons at a time at the funeral service and 100 at a time graveside, and to make your visit brief if there are others waiting that also wish to say "goodbye".
