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Frank “Coach” Crisafi, 95, passed away surrounded by his loving family on May 19 at the St. Raphael Campus of Yale-New Haven Hospital. He was the husband of the late Gloria Gallo Crisafi. Frank was born in New Haven on April 9, 1923, to the late Michaelangelo and Mary Giamo Crisafi.

He was a graduate of East Haven High School, class of ‘41, then left to serve his country in the Navy during WWII. Upon his return from the war, he continued his education, receiving a BS from Arnold College and eventually his master’s degree from Fairfield University. After college he returned to his old high school, where he worked as their physical education teacher, coach, and athletic director for the next 35 years. He retired in 1983. Frank spent a total of 84 seasons coaching football, basketball, baseball, and golf for the Yellowjackets.

Frank is survived by two sons, Ed (Kathleen) Crisafi of North Haven and Fran (Kathleen) Crisafi of East Haven; a daughter, Sue Crisafi also of East Haven; seven grandchildren, Frank (Michelle) Crisafi, Kristina (Ronnie) Torello, Amanda, Jeffrey, twins Katelyn and Kellie Crisafi, and Kayla Crisafi; a great-grandson Tyler Crisafi; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Gloria (Crisafi) Pilling.

The entire Crisafi family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to Family Matters Home Care, especially Marco Watkins, who took loving care of Coach for more than five years.

The funeral left the East Haven Memorial Longobardi–Brennan Funeral Home, 425 Main St., East Haven, 203-467-1708, May 25 for a funeral mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Taylor Avenue. Burial with full military honors took place at East Lawn Cemetery. Friends called on May 24. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the newly established Frank “Coach” Crisafi Scholarship Fund, c/o Sue Crisafi, 123-7 Cosey Beach Ave., East Haven, CT 06512.