Luis "Frankie" Guzman, Jr.

Luis Guzman Jr. “Frankie” , age 45, of West Hartford , passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. He leaves behind a legacy of delicious food, laughter, impeccable style and an enduring love for the things that brought him joy.

Born on August 30, 1979 in Hartford, Frankie discovered his passion for cooking early in life, inspired by the recipes and dishes he learned from his beloved mother and Abuela. He chose to pursue culinary arts further at Hall High School, where he was awarded an excellence in the culinary arts programs. He continued his love for food by graduating in June 2000 from Johnson and Wales Culinary School in Rhode Island. He dedicated his career to the culinary arts, delighting countless palates as a talented chef, often fusing his Irish and Puerto Rican background into his flavorful dishes. His kitchen was his sanctuary, where he crafted culinary masterpieces and fostered connections through the shared experience of food as evidenced when awarded the Removing Barriers award by the State of CT for his work at St. Francis Hospital.

Beyond the kitchen, Frankie was a devoted family man who cherished spending time with his loved ones. He reveled in coaching youth football and lacrosse for his children. He found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life, like his lifelong love of Cape Cod. He also had a deep appreciation for 80s movies – a collection he knew by heart and loved to revisit.

A dedicated fan of trivia, Frankie was a fierce competitor and a self-proclaimed Jeopardy! champion from the comfort of his own couch. He could recite obscure facts and figures with ease, always ready to challenge anyone to a friendly round of questions and answers.

While Frankie’s life was filled with these vibrant passions and heartwarming connections, he also bravely battled alcohol addiction. This illness presented its own unique challenges throughout his life, but he faced them with courage and resilience. In his memory, the family asks that you consider a donation to help others struggling with addiction find the support and resources they need.

Frankie will be deeply missed by his loving family, including his loving and supportive mother, Janet Connolly of West Hartford; his sister, Jennifer Gizelis and her husband Sam Gizelis; his beloved nephew, Lukas, all of Simsbury and his children, Aidan and Payton Guzman of West Hartford, along with a wide circle of family and colleagues.

Memorial services will be private and a Celebration of Life will be held in the Fall to celebrate our Frankie. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory of Frankie, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com “Life is short, remember to tell them you love them…”