Frank Richard La Commare

August 10, 1936 – May 30, 2026

Frank was born in Chicago, Illinois to Pasquale and Vincenza LaCommare.

He was the third of four children, whose parents immigrated from Marsala, Sicily in 1914.

Franks father, a barber all his life, and his mother, a housewife, moved the family to Southern California in 1943.

Frank attended Catholic schools for the first of 12 years of his education. He attended college in Los Angeles and after 3 years decided to hone his artist talent by enrolling at the Art Center College of Design (ACCD). Six months after graduating from ACCD in 1960, he was honored with an invitation to teach night classes in advertising design, and did so for 14 years, 43 classes in all, while growing in stature as an art director/creative director on accounts as diverse as Atlantic-Richfield Cargo to Nestle products.

In 1962, Frank met the love of his life, the beautiful Shirley Ann Baker, a registered nurse. It was an atypical courtship. Two weeks after meeting, he proposed and she accepted. They hardly ever left each other’s side in the 59 years and 2 days they were married, until her passing on November 26, 2021.

In 1964, Frank and Shirley were blessed with their first daughter, Lisa Ann. And they were blessed again in 1966 with their second daughter, Gina Ann.

Frank retired in 1999 and enjoyed their life-long close friendships, traveling (especially cruises) through much of the world, bridge parties and entertaining. Frank enjoyed painting again late in his retirement at the urging of his daughter Lisa, a dedicated artist in her own right. Frank loved telling a good story. He loved life, a party, and a touch of irreverence.

If Frank wants anything, he wishes to be remembered as a family man. Proud of his lovely daughters, his son-in-law Peter Block, and exceptional grandchildren, Ethan and Zoe. Frank and Shirley both delighted in watching them grow from infants into adulthood. Frank leaves behind a growing extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins, and his younger brother, Pat.

He wishes to be cremated and a requiem mass to be said at Saint Martin of Tours Catholic Church with a celebration of life immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank’s memory to Tower Cancer Research Foundation, 8767 Wilshire Blvd., #401, Beverly Hills, CA 90211.