Frank Joseph Sardinia

Frank Joseph Sardinia, 98, passed away peacefully on August 12th, 2026. He was born on March 20, 1928, in Perry, New York, the second of four children. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Josephine “Jo” Salamone, Marion Kelley, and Sam Sardinia.

Frank was an exceptional athlete from an early age. In 1945, while a student at Perry High School, he set a school record in the 100-yard dash with a time of 10 seconds flat, fastest in New York State that year. It was a school record that stood for more than 50 years before being broken in 1996. He was also an accomplished pole vaulter, competing in an era when athletes tried to land on their feet in only six inches of sawdust. He played football and basketball as well and went on to play soccer in college.

He was a lifelong performer and musician. He began playing the violin at an early age and played throughout high school with his band, the Swingsters. A proud World War II veteran, he served in the Air Force, where he played violin in the Air Force Symphony. It was also during his service that he started playing the piano, which became his instrument for the rest of his life. He continued playing on his baby grand well into his 90s, just weeks before his death.

He graduated from Geneseo University with a bachelor’s degree and earned his master’s degree from the University of Buffalo. He built a career in education in Northern Virginia, serving as a school guidance counselor and principal. During these years, he met the love of his life, Katrine. They married and shared 65 wonderful years together. They enjoyed many passions throughout their lives, including tennis, which they continued to play well into their 80’s. Katrine preceded Frank in death in 2025, and her loss was felt deeply by Frank and the entire family.

Frank and his sister Jo were also quite the adagio dance duo. Together, they established the Sardinia/Salamone School of Dance, first in Washington, D.C., and later in Springfield, Virginia. Frank danced and taught dance for many years, continuing until he retired from the school system and moved his family to Pompano Beach, Florida, in 1977.

In South Florida, he began a new chapter by starting his own yacht brokerage business. It was a natural fit for his outgoing personality, love of people, and enthusiasm for the South Florida lifestyle.

Perhaps Frank’s greatest gift was simply being Frank. He had a larger-than-life personality and was the life of every party, often turning ordinary moments into unforgettable ones. He embraced all 98 years with unmatched enthusiasm and an unmistakable zest for life, and above all, he will be remembered for his warmth and remarkable presence. Frank will be profoundly missed by his family and friends, but the countless memories he created will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Frank is survived by his two sons, Tony Sardinia, 64, of Boca Raton, Florida, and Tom Sardinia, 61, of Orlando, Florida; his daughter-in-law, Jessica Rhines, married to Tom; and his three treasured grandchildren, Meigan Sardinia, 36, daughter of Tony, and Nicholas Sardinia, 23, and Callista Sardinia, 20, children of Tom and Jessica.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon, visitation at 11:30am, on August 20th, 2026, at Palm Beach National Funeral Home & Chapel, 10055 Heritage Farms Road, Lake Worth, FL. 33449. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL.

Reception following the burial at Tony Sardinia’s house 19739 Back Nine Dr. Boca Raton, FL 33498