Frank Ralph Schiavo

Frank RJ Schiavo, 87, of Sarasota, Florida, our family’s cherished brother, cousin, uncle, and godfather, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, surrounded by the love and support of family and friends.

Born on June 14, 1938, in Pomona, New Jersey, to Ralph and Cindy Schiavo, Frank’s life was rooted in family and friendship and a deep love for all along his life’s path. Growing up on the family farm shaped the values he carried throughout his life — service to others and a joyful attitude while making the most out of each day. He attended Galloway Township Elementary Schools and Pleasantville High School, where his days were filled with friendship, laughter, and a boundless enthusiasm for sports and music. Frank’s love of baseball followed him while playing in the ACBL, and rooting on his Phillies and later his Rays; his love of music came alive as he played saxophone in local swing bands.

Frank earned a BA in Education from West Chester State College and found his calling in the classroom. Frank taught at Egg Harbor City schools for 2 years and when Mainland Regional High School opened its doors in 1963, Frank was there, shaping young lives as a beloved teacher of Health, Physical Education, and Driver’s Education, and as a devoted coach of football, baseball, and softball. For 30 years, he guided students in their academic and athletic growth and is fondly remembered for his good-natured humor, which fostered a welcoming, respectful, and connected educational environment for generations of students until his retirement from Mainland in 1993.

Frank’s greatest joy was the life he shared with his wife, Joni. Though their marriage spanned just sixteen years, they filled that time with adventure and deep companionship. Frank devoted himself wholeheartedly to Joni’s artistic passions, helping her build and run her ceramic design shop, J.A.M.S., where after teaching during the day he spent countless afternoons and evenings at her side, encouraging students and supporting their creative growth. Beyond the studio, Frank and Joni found peace and happiness on the open water aboard their boat, Love Is. There, they welcomed friends for cruises, fishing trips, and long summer weekends filled with laughter, dancing, and dreaming while docked at Harbor Cove Marina in Somers Point. In every endeavor together—whether shaping clay, charting quiet waters, or nurturing both old and new relationships—Frank’s love for Joni remained steady, generous, and unmistakable, forming the heart of a life beautifully shared.

In retirement, Frank moved to Sarasota, where his warmth and easygoing nature quickly drew people to him. He treasured time with friends spent on local golf courses including Misty Creek CC, remained active in his faith community at St. Jude’s Roman Catholic Church, and connected easily with others wherever he went.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Cindy Schiavo, his sister Christine Volpe, and his wife Joni Kinsell Schiavo.

Frank is survived by his sister Rose Roesch, his brother Ralph Schiavo, and his large and loving extended family which includes many, many cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Although Frank's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his joyous and generous spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and laughter in all that we do.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 3, at 11 a.m. at Assumption Church in Galloway, NJ. Mass follows at noon, with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mays Landing, NJ