Frank X Tuoti

My wonderful Frank and I shared 47 years together which were up and down and sideways...sometimes sad, most times very happy. We made memories together that will help me to go on with my life and to treasure every moment, every breath, every dream.

Frank's last days were very difficult for both of us....all he wanted was to come home, which was just not possible, and which broke my heart. It was miserable to visit him and see him slipping away, a little each day. I was not with him at 2:15am June 21 when he left his life on earth for the rest of his forever life to be spent with God. But he peacefully joined all his and my loved ones who have left us and I know with all my heart that I will one day be with them, too.

Here is a brief history of Frank's life which will possibly, one day, inspire me to write a book about us, together......for 47 years...

In 1978, Frank resigned as NY WPIX-TV VP, and also Sales Manager for NY Yankees baseball and I left my job as PR Director for the ABC Network, to move to Tucson and start a new life. We came to Tucson with only a dream and a prayer, but both were fulfilled when I became an artist and began to paint the beautiful desert I loved, and Frank began the search for the true purpose for his life. It was more than fulfilled through his life of prayer and teaching the words and life of Thomas Merton, who truly influenced every day for the rest of Frank's life.

A library of ALL of Merton's books (nearly 500) and writings that Frank had collected over the years, was gifted to a small Catholic school starting a spiritual library....what a gift for them to receive this collection and for Frank to know that Merton's life work would be viewed by those seeking a deeper spiritual life.

During the early fifties, Frank was a Trappist monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani, in KY, where he was profoundly influenced and inspired by fellow Trappist, Thomas Merton. In the 1990's Frank turned to writing. His highly acclaimed first book, "Why Not Be A Mystic?" rose to #2 on the National Catholic Best Sellers list, and created many invitations from churches and retreat houses around the country to speak on the mystical dimension of Christianity. One noted reviewer wrote, "Few spiritual books have received such widespread accolades..." His second book, "The Dawn of the Mystical Age," was also highly acclaimed. For many years, Frank traveled the country sharing Merton's wisdom and fulfilling his own destiny.

During this time, Frank was a member of the Tucson Society of Spiritual Directors, and SW Director for "Contemplative Outreach," the national organization teaching the practice of "Centering Prayer," an ancient form of imageless, wordless prayer dating back to the Desert Fathers.

Frank and I want to thank his mentor and friend, Msgr.Thomas Cahalane, for his guidance and love these many years....and also those in the community of Tucson who have followed Frank for over 20 years and helped to shape his faith and inspire the direction of his life.

A special mass has been said for Frank by the brothers of the Gethsemani Monastery. No services are planned for Tucson. I attended Frank's burial last Thursday at East Lawn Cemetary with special prayers by Msgr. Cahalane. It was lovely...with three "Trinity" roses put on the casket. I was afraid to go, fearing that I would be overwhelmed and pass out. But I felt a deep, deep connection with Frank and an inner peacefulness that will help me travel the days ahead, alone, for the first time in our marriage.

Frank's son, Mark, his sister Eileen Farrell and I have all been deeply touched by this quiet man, who devoted most of his life to God and the teachings of the Bible....Frank is now finally, and with all of his mind and soul....finally Home.

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