Frank Carioti Obituary

The Fantasticks cast singing softly in the background here for you...TRY TO REMEMBER(reprised)
Frank you are in memories expressed here by fortunate characters in reality mortals touched by your human time with us then before your elevation to god's grace where the souls of good persons who touched with immense constant kind acts to live with everyone they shone so bightely.

Late-night searching the internet - and I saw this obit. I learned more from Frank about theatre and acting than from anyone else in my 40 years in the theatre. He set a standard for professional community theatre that has probably never been matched. Acting in Hayfever and in Juliet in Mantua seems a lifetime ago. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

I can't say how sorry I am to find out about Frank's passing, and my not keeping up with him over the years. Frank was a true renaissance man who I had the privilege of working with as his assistant at Standard Oil and his house photographer at Old Town Players for 4 years. He was the only person I can claim as a mentor in my life - he encouraged me to pursue whatever path I found in life and the path I found was certainly different from those days.

I always thought of the Old Town Players as an original only Chicago could produce, along with Steppenwolf and Second City. Yet that was only a small fraction of his accomplishments. The author of several Ford Foundation studies, designer of Chicago magnet schools, the only non-degree'd individual to win the most coveted industrial design award and largely responsible for the graphic arts revolution in the 70's as the curator of the worlds largest exhibited art collection. Frank was truly one of a kind.

I look for my "Chicago family" every now and then just saw this. Frank was so good to my kids, let me even have a birthday flower planting party at the theater!. A number of years ago my daughter and I met in Chicago and hung out with Frank over a couple of days - it was wonderful. Frank was a generous, caring man.

I just learned of Frank's death during an idle moment when my curiosity led me to do an online search. Those of us involved with Old Town Players, whether for a short time or a long time, knew that Frank was the heart and soul of all that happened there. Old Town was about quality theater, whether it was the plays and casts selected, the Michael Merritt sets built so solid that doors could be slammed, or moments like when Sid and John came out for the hunting scene in Juliet in Mantua and the audience broke out laughing before a single line. Old Town was a place to learn the craft of theater under Frank's guidance, but it was also a social outlet, a place to for new friends, fund times, and lasting relationships. Frank made it all happen. Old friend Frank - you live on in all of us who knew you.

I am stunned! Here it is mid-August and I just learned of Frank's death...though we lost him long before this. The memories that flood up around me now make me even more determined to get the history of his and our Old Town Players' in print. All of our papers and photographs are on file at the Harold Washington Library, waiting for some graduate student to seize upon it all for a doctoral dissertation. Renny's and Tom's comments say it all. Our lives were enhanced by FC. Sweet sleep Frank.

Sherwood Snyder, Chicago, IL

How do you put into words the many hours and experiences shared that seem to have covered more than a lifetime? From entry to exit, the building that Old Town Players occupied on North Park was so much more than bricks and mortar and held so much talent and love for what was presented to audiences and shared by so many over the years. Dreams and lives were so intertwined at times it was difficult to separate the fantasy from the reality. But for all who ever crossed your path, your wisdom, guidance, caring, devotion and genius is forever with us. Thank you for all the joy and laughter and the sweat and tears you drew from us all. We all took so much from the times we shared and you gave us so many "best years of our lives." We have missed you already for many years because the man we all knew went away much sooner than last Monday. Your spirit, however, will always be among us and I will be forever grateful for the time we shared. May we meet again in another lifetime. Renata (Renny) Allelujka (Downets Grove, Illinois)

Warn, kind, generous and perhaps the finest intellectual I have had the privilege to know. Not only did he create Chicago's best Community theater but he attracted hundreds of people who would develop lasting friendships, marriages and children who may now have children of their own. Nice legacy Frank

Frank was a wonderful man from whom I learned a great deal. I will never forget him, and will be ever grateful to have known and worked with him at OTP. May God bless and keep him close and warm.

Fond memories from one of the Old Town Players from long ago.

Though I was always in the audience I have wonderful memories of Old Town Players and Frank. My favorite show was one he put together I could have seen "Musical Chairs and Other Games" a hundred times.May he rest in peace.

To the man who taught me that the colors back and white are not always what they seem to be. I have the fondest memories of the Old Town Art Fair walking, talking and learning. May you rest in peace Frank. Thank you for being my friend

Frank, You have been my friend, my mentor, and like a father to me. Ann and I shall never forget you. Thank you for sharing with me the meaning of words. For sharing your life stories with us. You have been more of a gentleman than anyone i have ever met. I hope you are watching. We will make you proud. God bless you my old friend. Rest in Peace.

We had great times with the Old Town Players. We also produced wonderful theater. Frank Carioti was the reason we did. He will be missed.

The times spent with Old Town Players under Frank's guidance were some of the best times in my life. Great memories due to Frank's efforts. I cannot thank him enough.