Frank X. Loconto
Author name
March 26, 1931 - September 20, 2023
Francis X. Loconto , a lifelong professional singer and political songwriter as well as a popular Broward public affairs TV host, passed away September 20, 2023.
Known as Frank by scores of friends and prominent community leaders, the gentlemanly 92-year old loved every aspect of show business and was a natural performer and skilled storyteller. A conversation with Frank could easily range from Jackie Gleason to Bobby Darin to Richard Nixon. Frank, who lived in Tamarac, died following two years of outpatient cancer treatment at the Veterans Administration hospital in Miami.
Frank was born in Cambridge, MA, one of six boys and four girls. Following his discharge from the U.S. Army after Korean War service, Frank and brothers Pete and Art formed a musical trio called The Lane Brothers in the mid-‘50s starting in Boston-area radio stations and small country music clubs..
The Lane Brothers, produced by Chet Atkins, recorded for RCA Records. They scored two songs on the pop charts, “Marianne” and “Boppin’ in a Sack.” They also appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “The Jackie Gleason Show” and “The Mike Douglas Show” as they began focusing on playing nightclubs throughout the country.
After moving with his entire family from New England to South Florida in 1964, Frank and his wife and business partner Phyllis eventually opened a recording studio in Sunrise. There he crafted and produced songs for a variety of politicians, including Florida Gov. Bob Graham, Broward Sheriff Nick Navarro and U.S. Rep. Tip O’Neill, a Boston family friend who recorded an album of Irish songs at the studio. Frank also spent more than two decades hosting CountyLine, a BECON television public affairs program, produced by wife Phyllis. Always dressed on air in one of his trademark vests, Frank interviewed sitting and aspiring government officials, business leaders and entertainers such as long-time friends Connie Francis and Woody Woodbury. Frank is survived by his wife, Phyllis, a long-time Broward businesswoman and a former Port Everglades Commissioner; and by their daughter, Alisa Lucas, a resident of North Carolina. Viewing will take place Wednesday (9/27) from 6 to 9 p.m. at Landmark Funeral Home, 4200 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday (9/28) at St. David Catholic Church, 3900 S. University Drive in Davie.
Viewing: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 Time: 6:00pm -9:00pm Prayer Service: 7:30pm Location: Landmark Funeral Home
Funeral Mass: Thursday, September 28, 2023 Time: 10:00am Location: St. David Catholic Church
Inurnment with Military Honors will be at a later date Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery
October 7, 1965 – July 31, 2025
September 20, 1931 - May 17, 2025
SUNRISE OF LIFE 2/11/1952 SUNSET 7/7/2025
January 3, 1934 - January 5, 2025
June 23, 1946 - July 10, 2025
April 1, 1942 - June 30, 2025
Joan Lee Scheidell, 85, of Hollywood passed away June 13, 2025. Survived by sons Mark (Jeanne) Kovacs and Michael (Maria) Kovacs; daughters Suzanne (Joe) Domenech and Denise (Jim) Ordonez; 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Services will be private.
Martha Clementi, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 23, 2025, at the age of 97 in Hollywood, FL.
David James Bushing, born November 18, 1968, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025 at the age of 56 after a nearly three year battle with brain cancer.
Kathleen Sylvester, 82, of Coral Springs, FL. passed away on June 18, 2025.
An honoring of her life will take place at Landmark Funeral Home in Hollywood, Florida on June 29, 2025 between 1:00-3:00 pm.
