Frank John Vattano

Papa Frank, 1931-2025: Beloved Husband, Father, Scholar, and Mentor

With profound sadness but deep gratitude for a life richly lived, we remember Dr. Frank John Vattano, whose remarkable journey touched countless lives as a devoted family man, a pioneering psychologist, and an award-winning educator. Born in 1931 in Chicago, Illinois, to Giovanni Vattano of Sicily and Genevieve Mattaliano of Tunisia, Frank was the youngest of three children. His early years were shaped by the warmth and resilience of an immigrant family, instilling in him a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and the joys of a simple, happy life.

Early Life and Character:

From a young age, Frank radiated a lightheartedness and humor that endeared him to all who knew him. Though he never took himself too seriously, he carried a fierce devotion to his academics, his passions, and above all, his loved ones. Music was woven into the very fabric of his life; he played the piano and accordion, performing in jazz bands from high school onward to help support his family. He also had a passion for photography as an outlet for creativity, and wrestling and weightlifting to channel his physical energy.

After high school, Frank attended business administration school before serving four years in the Air Force—a formative period that instilled in him discipline, a passion for learning, and an enduring sense of duty.

Following his service, Frank’s intellectual curiosity propelled him to Colorado State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology in 1958. His academic journey continued at Ohio State University, where he completed his M.A. in 1960, and then his Ph.D. in 1962. His doctoral research culminated in a thesis entitled "Efficiency of GSR conditioning as a function of CS-UCS interval," foreshadowing the innovative and scholarly path he would forge in psychology.

Family and Personal Life:

Frank’s life was forever changed when he met Sarah Jean West during college, for him it was love at first sight. Married in 1958, Frank and Sarah built their lives together in Columbus, Ohio, Denver, Colorado and then made Fort Collins, Colorado, their long-term home. They raised seven children—Karen Vattano Springfield, Kurt Vattano, Stephen Vattano, David Vattano, John Vattano, Andrea Vattano Gardenswartz, and Aaron Vattano—in a home on Buttonwood Drive, where the family shared more than five decades of memories.

Family was everything to Frank. He treasured family traditions—holidays, gatherings, and especially family dinners at 6:00 p.m. (beckoning kids home from playing outside with a hand bell). His devotion to his children was unwavering; he attended their games, plays, and concerts, always present with encouragement and pride. Frank’s dedication extended to his 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, for whom he was a loving and guiding presence. He was a man of strong Catholic faith, attending church faithfully since childhood alongside his sister Seraphine, a practice he undertook by choice and conviction.

Life with Frank was punctuated by discipline, optimism, and positive energy. He walked (for exercise) a total of five miles to and from the University most days in a sport coat and tie. He viewed himself as the “luckiest man in the world”—a sentiment echoed by those who shared in his warmth and generosity. Having grown up in the city of Chicago, he delighted in Colorado’s natural beauty, learning to hunt, which he loved to do with his boys. In later years, he and Sarah cherished time at their prairie home south of Santa Fe, where Frank would read and watch the sunset from the porch, savoring the peace and wonder of each day.

Frank’s humility, kindness, and inclusion left a mark on his family, friends, students, and community. He taught his children to greet every person with acceptance and kindness, values that extended far beyond his own family. His ability to be comfortable talking to people from all walks of life was inspiring. Whether under the hood of a car, behind a camera, listening to jazz, spending time with his kids, or mentoring young minds, Frank’s mind was always busy—with purpose, love, and curiosity.

An Outstanding Career in Psychology and Education:

Dr. Frank J. Vattano stands as a towering figure in the world of psychology education. His professional journey was deeply intertwined with Colorado State University (CSU), where over 44 years (1964–2008), he shaped generations of students, educators, and academic leaders.

Frank’s teaching career at CSU was marked by innovation and vision. He’s known as a pioneer of teaching graduate students how to be better teachers. As a college Dean, faculty member and later coordinator of the Introduction to Psychology course, he introduced over 3,000 students annually to the wonders of the human mind. Frank’s passion for teaching extended far beyond the lecture hall—he championed the use of technology in pedagogy, co-creating groundbreaking video teaching modules such as The Brain, The Mind, The Social Connection, and The Many Faces of Psychology. These resources revolutionized psychology instruction not only at CSU but across the nation, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for students everywhere.

Dr. Vattano’s scholarly contributions were always rooted in a desire to enhance education. His research and publications focused on improving teaching methodologies and deepening the understanding of student learning. He authored influential works, including The Teaching Assistant Handbook, and conducted seminal research on the value of undergraduate teaching assistants—efforts that shaped the educational experiences of countless future educators.

His legacy as a mentor is equally profound. Dr. Vattano devoted himself to preparing the next generation of college teachers, co-leading seminars and fostering a community of passionate, skilled educators. His approach was guided by empathy, encouragement, and a steadfast commitment to seeing his students succeed, both academically and personally.

Awards, Honors, and Professional Distinction

Frank’s singular dedication to teaching earned him a constellation of accolades, including:

• Honors Professor of the Year Award, CSU (1983, 1999)

• Honor Alum, CSU Alumni Association (1984)

• Fellow, American Psychological Association (1991)

• Oliver P. Pennock Distinguished Service Award for Teaching (1992)

• Willard O. Eddy Teacher Award, CSU (1994)

• Excellence in Education Award, U.S. WEST (1996)

• Governing Board Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award (1996-97)

• Colorado Professor of the Year, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (1999)

• University Distinguished Teaching Scholar, CSU (2000-2008)

• American Psychological Foundation Distinguished Teacher of the Year (2001)

• Best Teacher Award, CSU Alumni Association (2004)

• Outstanding Science Mentor Award, CSU (2005)

He also authored at least 11 academic publications.

These honors and educational contributions are a testament to Frank’s profound and widely recognized impact on the academic community, reflecting not only his expertise but also his empathy, insight, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Enduring Legacy:

Dr. Frank John Vattano was more than a scholar or educator; he was a beacon of kindness, humility, and inclusiveness. His enduring legacy is not only found in the curricula he developed or the awards he received, but in the lives he transformed—students inspired to pursue psychology, teaching assistants bolstered in confidence, colleagues spurred to new heights of innovation, and children and grandchildren imbued with his values of love, faith, and respect.

Frank is survived by his seven children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is remembered, too, by the legions of students and colleagues who were fortunate to cross his path. In every community he joined—from the lecture halls of CSU to the churches and neighborhoods of Fort Collins and Santa Fe—Frank left a legacy of generosity, laughter, and heartfelt connection.

As we bid farewell to a cherished husband, father, teacher, and friend, we celebrate a life defined by purpose, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Dr. Frank John Vattano’s memory will forever be a wellspring of inspiration and love.

You are now in heaven with your sweet Sarah who preceded you by five years. Rest in peace, Papa Frank, for your positive energy shines on in the countless hearts and minds you touched.

For details on Frank's celebration of life, contact Ani at [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Dr. Frank Vattano Psychology Undergraduate Scholarship Endowment at Colorado State University: https://give.colostate.edu/campaigns/44553/donations/new Make your selection > Psychology > Dr. Frank Vattano