Frank Pasquerella, loving husband and father of two children, died peacefully on August 7, 2020, after a short battle with esophageal cancer at age 53. As the son of a high school band teacher, Frank's lifelong passion for music was forged in his family roots, a dedication which took him to 10 years of Drum Corps International performance and instructing experiences, a degree of music from Cleveland State University, and finally to teaching high school band himself.  His first position was at Rocori High School in Cold Spring, Minnesota, and then at Eastview High School in Apple Valley 1997 through June 2020.

Frank was a respected member of the close-knit band director community, one of the many circles of professional allies, colleagues, and friends that he had. As the news of his declining health moved through the Eastview band community, along with a call to students to share their remembrances, the response was overwhelming. Hundreds of students across the country, many of them professional musicians and teachers, shared their "Mr. P" stories. What emerged was a picture of a dedicated, genuine teacher who had the ability to reach others through music and humor. He listened to his students and gave them the gift of time, encouraging them, teaching them to see their own value, and showing them that they mattered. Over and over, his students shared their appreciation of Frank and described how "Mr. P" changed the trajectory of their lives and over and over, his students heralded his dry wit and storytelling. The compassion and seriousness he brought to the classroom was coupled with sass and sarcasm. He knew when to pivot from humor to hard work and back again. He was also a master storyteller, sharing the most recent exploits of his two devoted daughters or stories of times past.  From Rocori to Eastview, he was a teacher who could make his students laugh with his sharp-witted, sometimes philosophical, "P-isms," and bring them to tears in his motivational moments and end-of-year speeches.

Frank was also an integral and enthusiastic part of the Celtic Junction community (Center for Irish Music and O'Shea School of Irish Dance), shepherding his two girls for many years through music and dance lessons, recitals, sessions, and feis (Irish dance) and fleadh (Irish music) competitions. He valued the friendships formed in this talented and loyal community, and the creative opportunities and meaningful friendships it afforded his family. A steadfast volunteer, supporter and "competition-dad,"  he played totally different roles from his teaching life, yet was ever the gentle educator, bringing his unique insight and encouragement to both students and staff there with razor-sharp wit and playful banter.  The families of the Celtic Junction have expressed their appreciation for his ardor for the arts, his generosity of spirit, and especially for his deep and abiding friendships.

Frank was born Francis Matthew Pasquerella on March 26, 1967 in Morehead, Kentucky to Frank and Janice Pasquerella. Raised in Valley City, Ohio, he made his home in Apple Valley, Minnesota, with his wife of 24 years, Maria, and their children, Carmen and Gabrielle. Frank is survived by his wife; two daughters; mother, Janice Pasquerella; brother Mitch Pasquerella; mother- and father-in-law Barbara and Woodrow Edstrom; sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and many other treasured extended relatives and friends. Frank is preceded in death by his father, Frank Pasquerella Sr., who died of COVID 19 in April 2020. The family would like to especially acknowledge the love and support extended by the Eastview High School community, the Celtic Junction community, and the Drum Corp International community. From their deeds and words, it is clear that Frank was well-loved and had a life that was well-lived.

A private memorial service is planned, with virtual participation anticipated, and a larger memorial event to commemorate Frank's life will take place in the future.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be directed to the Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation ( salgi.org ), or Colonial Church of Edina. https://www.colonialchurch.org/